Business Focus Antigua & Barbuda Issue #61

The quarterly magazine for decision makers No.61 • Sep-Nov 2016

THE MINISTRY OF TRADE, C O M M E R C E & I N D U S T R Y, S P O R T, C U LT U R E A N D

N AT I O N A L F E ST I VA L S :

DE V E LOP I N G A C U LT U R E O F E XC E L L E N C E V i s i t U s O n l i n e - w w w. b u s i n e s s f o c u s a n t i g u a . c o m

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No. 60

BF Sep - Nov 2016

CONTENTS FEATURE 25.

DEVELOPING A CULTURE OF EXCELLENCE

Economy & Trade Focus 70. A & B's Cops Port of the Year Award 2016

71. OECS and PMAC Sign MOU to 72.

REGULARS

73.

04.

Editor’s Focus

74.

75.

06.

Business Briefs

76.

In The Know 08. “ In-Camera” We Trust 66. Family Dogs and Infants 68. Antiguan & Barbudan Counsellor

Cops Prestigious Regional Award 69. EXXON-Mobil-Hess Confirm That Oil Discovery Off Guyana's Coast is Largest in Two Years

Business Tech 10. What Does End to End Encryption Mean For Your Privacy?

12. E CTEL Chairman Promotes the Benefits of New Legislation

14.

16.

18.

20.

52.

54.

B Healthy - Weight Management

and Body Sculpting Square One Ltd Social Security Must Change to Meet Future Challenges ABIIT - 15 Years of Providing I.T. Centric Education Veteran Mas Troupe Celebrates Four Decades on the Road Basic Cents: Do Good

Money Matters 56. The Correspondent Banking Relationships

58. RBC Antigua Announces New Bank Fees

60. G ov't to Buy Majority Shares in Local Commercial Bank

62. C aribbean Must Adapt to Survive De-Risking

64.

Business Focus Must Reads

78.

80.

81.

82.

Strengthen Port Operations in the Caribbean A & B Repeals Personal Income Tax, Approves New Tax Law Antigua Earns Significant Revenue From New Energy Plant F DI Into A & B Drops - ECLAC Study ECLAC Wants Continued Development Assistance B rexit Creates EU-Britain Nightmare for the Caribbean World Bank Forecasts Continued Contraction in Caribbean Economies CARICOM Official Calls For Increased Implementation of a Major Financing Agreement With The EU Gov't Assures Tax Increase Will Be of Minimal Burden CARICOM Member States Advised to Take Advantage of Available Concessionary Funds

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Youth Focus 84. O ECS Launches YES for Youth 85. Q ueen's Young Leader, Regis Burton Environmental Focus 86. P lastic Bag Ban Implemented 88. S urveys Commence for Access to

Climate Change Adaptation Fund

54

Tourism Focus 90. G ov’t extends Tourism and Business Incentives Act

Health & Wellness 92. Identifying and coping with Workplace Stress

94.

Major Moves

96.

Events

98.

New Company Registrations

100.

Advertiser's Index

90

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BUILDING THE ECONOMY FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL In this edition, we explore some action in the right direction: how the Ministry of Trade, Commerce and Industry, and Culture, Festivals and Sports is working towards transforming this twin-island nation into a regional economic power house.

We highlight various initiatives that have either been completed, are underway or are planned to stimulate industrial growth and diversification.

Read about a project which, with help from the European Union through the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), aims to strengthen private sector participation in the Caricom Single Market and Economy's (CSME) Business Development with particular emphasis on the arts and craft industries.

LOKESH SINGH Publisher/Managing Editor

It is an open secret that, from trade, industry and commerce to sports and culture, Caribbean nations are underperforming, particularly when compared with other developing countries of similar size and level of development.

Our share of regional and world trade remains small and stagnant market, and we continue to lag in important drivers of innovation and productivity growth.

Now, more than ever in our economic history, small vulnerable states like Antigua & Barbuda need to tap into new and alternative areas for economic growth and boost productivity in traditional sectors.

We hope that this Special Feature gives you a better understanding of the current efforts in St John's to stimulate economic growth, encourage entrepreneurship in non-traditional sectors and promote business development.

But also in this 61st edition, we keep a watchful eye on two major developments that have the potential to cause tectonic shifts for your business: turmoil in correspondent banking relationships and the likely impact of the UK's eventual 'Brexit' from the European Union on trade and development flows in the Caribbean.

It's smart business to pay close attention to these and other issues in the business sector as they affect not only investors and entrepreneurs, but also the average consumer - your market.

You can start right here. •

BUSINESSFOCUS

Business Focus magazine is published quarterly by Regional Publications Ltd (RPL) in Antigua and Barbuda.

Publisher / Managing Editor: Lokesh Singh Editor: Martina Johnson Graphic Designer: Melissa Sebastien Advertising Sales: Ann-Maria Marshall • Evol Desouza Shari Dickenson Cover Photography: Pedro Virgil Photography: Pedro Virgil • Martina Johnson • Jake Wong Government of Antigua & Barbuda and online sources Editorial Contributors: Martina Johnson • Government of Antigua & Barbuda • Koren Norton • Yves Ephraim CNS CANTO • Dr Chris Bart • Brian Ramsey Everett Christian • Samuel Rosengberg Lyndell Halliday • Sir Ronald Sanders Regional Publications Ltd Bryson’s Office Complex, Friars Hill Road, P.O. Box 180, Suite #5A,St.John’s, Antigua + 1 -268- 462- 7680 Email: sales@regionalpub.com Website: www.businessfocusantigua.com Business Focus welcomes contributions from professionals or writers in specialised fields or areas of interest.

Reproduction of any material contained herein without written approval, constitutes a violation of copyright.

Business Focus reserves the right to determine the content of the publication.

On the Cover: Developing a Culture of Excellence The quarterly magazine for decision makers No.61 • Aug-Oct 2016

THE MINISTRY OF TRADE, C O M M E R C E & I N D U S T R Y, S P O R T, C U LT U R E A N D

N AT I O N A L F E ST I VA L S :

DE V E LOP I N G A C U LT U R E O F E XC E L L E N C E V i s i t U s O n l i n e - w w w. b u s i n e s s f o c u s a n t i g u a . c o m

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BUSINESS BRIEFS

CDB APPROVES MULTI-MILLION GRANT FUNDING FOR STREET LIGHT PROJECT The Board of Directors of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has approved funding for a project which will replace approximately 14,400 high pressure sodium and mercury vapour street lamps with highefficiency light-emitting diode (LED) lamps in Antigua & Barbuda.

Through the installation of these lamps, the Street Light Retrofitting Project aims for an annual reduction in the country’s street lighting energy consumption by 4,900 MWh, and in carbon dioxide emissions of 3,200 tonnes by the end of 2019.

The initiative is being supported by CDB financing of US$5.9 million and a contribution of US$905,000 from the government and the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA).

“CDB is committed to supporting our Borrowing Member Countries’ investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy.

Financing for this Project will help the government of Antigua & Barbuda reach its goal of reducing energy consumption of public facilities by 30 per cent by 2025, as outlined in its National Energy Policy,” said Daniel Best, Director of Projects, CDB. In addition to reducing energy consumption and the emission of greenhouse gases, the Project aims for an annual reduction of 250,000 imperial gallons of diesel and heavy fuel oil imports by 2020.

The national fuel bill in Antigua & Barbuda represents as much as 12 per cent of gross domestic product, and 40 per cent of the fuel supply is used to generate electricity. Antigua & Barbuda also has the highest per capita consumption of electricity of all Eastern Caribbean states. Electricity consumption by the government, including street lighting, accounts for approximately 11 percent of nationwide consumption which equated to approximately US$37 million in 2014. •

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PM BROWNE ANNOUNCES SOCIAL HOUSING PROJECT FOR POINT AND VILLA COMMUNITIES Government is expected to hire dozens of construction workers within the next five months to commence the construction of several houses for hundreds of residents in Point and Villa communities.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne announced that the government of Antigua & Barbuda, in partnership with the government of Mexico, will embark on a social housing project aimed at improving the housing stock in the two areas. Mexico will be making available a social housing grant in the amount of US$5M. “A positive spin-off of the Mexico-funded social housing project – in addition to the improved living standards, is the creation of jobs for the young men in the area,” PM Browne said.

The government will be providing the land for the project, along with infrastructure such as water, electricity and telephone. It will also be ensuring that roadways are created to facilitate the movement of vehicles in the area, especially emergency vehicles. PM Browne said the government will engage private land owners in the area in an effort to acquire lands either through purchase or via land swaps where required.

The duplexes will be two, three and four bedrooms, and are designed for families in the lowest economic tier of the community.

Each family home, made of concrete, will also include a cistern or other adequate water catchment facilities.

The country’s leader said that this project will be the first phase of a wider, aggressive urban rebuilding process, designed to improve the living standards of the less fortunate in the society.

“The urban areas are usually the most densely populated, since persons who are seeking to improve their standard of living flock to these areas because of the ease of access to hopefully better opportunities such as jobs, schools, church and entertainment,” he noted.

The Prime Minister envisions the entire process – planning and building – to be over a two-year period, as he noted over 80 homes are cramped on three acres of land in the two villages which are adjacent to each other. •

CONTRACTORS TO BID FOR ROAD WORKS PROJECT AS GOV’T STRIVES TO MEET YEAR-END DEADLINE For local and regional contractors, business should begin booming soon as the government has extended an invitation for them to bid to participate in the delivery of a road infrastructural rehabilitation and institutional capacity building project this year.

The invitation has been opened as the government races against the clock to secure millions in a grant that expires in December.

Recently, Antigua and Barbuda (GOAB) received financing from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) – United Kingdom Caribbean Infrastructure Partnership Fund (UKCIF) towards the cost of of the project.

The government explained that it intends to apply a portion of the proceeds of this financing to eligible payments under a contract for which the invitation to bid has been issued.

“Payments by CDB will be made only at the request of government of Antigua & Barbuda (GOAB) and upon approval by CDB, and will be subject in all respects to the terms and conditions of the Financing Agreement,” a statement said.

The Financing Agreement prohibits withdrawal from the financing account for the purpose of any payment to persons or entities, or for any import of goods, if such payment or import, to the knowledge of CDB, is prohibited by a decision of the United Nations Security Council taken under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations.

The proposed project to be implemented by the Ministry of Public Works, include the rehabilitation and or reconstruction and resurfacing of 79.2 km of roads, together with the associated drainage and traffic management improvements.

The roads to be rehabilitated or reconstructed are: Friars Hill Road, Anchorage Road, Sir Sydney Walling Highway (Airport Road) Sir George Walter (Factory Road, Herberts Main Road, Old Parham Road; Valley Road, Old Road to English Harbour. •

BUSINESS BRIEFS

OECS MEMBER STATES TO ACCESS FUNDING TO MEASURE AND ADDRESS POVERTY The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), in collaboration with the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission, has launched a US$2.8 million programme that will help its Borrowing Member Countries (BMCs) in the OECS better measure poverty to drive national and regional development.

The Programme addresses the need for more timely, accurate and reliable poverty data in the Caribbean region where, despite making considerable progress on how they measure poverty, many countries do not frequently update or report on key poverty indicators.

In addition, many are not able to measure the non-income dimensions of poverty and human development.

“We know that when high-quality poverty data is readily available, policymakers are better able to make more informed, evidencebased decisions. The Enhanced Country Poverty Assessment Programme will help our BMCs in the OECS not only build a sustained effort to better measure poverty but also support them in confidently responding to the development challenges they face,” said Deidre Clarendon, Division Chief, Social Sector Division.

Clarendon also said OECS countries will specifically benefit from an enhanced capacity to conduct multidimensional poverty assessments for better decision-making.

These measurements provide a broader picture as to how someone experiences disadvantage beyond income considerations, such as education, health and housing.

“The additional dimensions a multidimensional poverty assessment can provide enables key decision makers to formulate a holistic response based on more inclusive and quality data,” said Dr. Gale Archibald, Head of Statistics, OECS. In addition, through the Programme, the Bank’s BMCs in the OECS will receive support for the implementation of a Sustainable Household Data Programme (SDP), which the OECS Commission will oversee. This SDP will deliver harmonised poverty data for OECS countries, and help them conduct regular and timely monetary and multidimensional poverty assessments.

An OECS Geographic Information System platform will also be developed through the Programme. It will enable countries to better analyse, map, monitor and report on different dimensions of social and economic well-being. •

UNEMPLOYMENT IN ANTIGUA & BARBUDA WELL ABOVE INTERNATIONAL STANDARD You may have heard of government hiring hundreds of people in recent months, construction picking up, sod turning for numerous hotel projects and of efforts to employ the youth and empower women by making them entrepreneurs.

But, the unemployment rate for people between ages 15 to 64 in Antigua & Barbuda remains relatively high at 14.1 per cent, which is well above the internationally acceptable standard of 4.5 to 5.5 per cent.

The figure was recently released by the Statistics Division based on the findings of a 2015 Labour Force Survey.

The definition used for the term “unemployment” in this survey, was: “All persons of working age who were: Without work during the reference period, i.e. not in paid employment or self-employment; currently available for work, i.e. available for paid employment or self-employment during the reference period; and seeking work, i.e. had taken specific steps in a specified recent period to seek paid employment or selfemployment.”

The report also noted that the youth unemployment rate at 34.6 per cent is more than double the overall unemployment rate.

This rate is a trend commonly observed in the Caribbean and around the world.

While 22.9 per cent of the population in the same age range is considered inactive, according to the recently released results.

Statchel Edwards, Chief Statistician who delivered the report, said that the 22.9 per cent of inactive individuals, are considered to be persons outside the labour force.

He explained, “All persons of working age who, during the specified reference period, were not in the labour force.” That’s because they were not actively seeking jobs at the time of the survey even though they were not working.

The report stated that the unemployment rate for women is 15.0 per cent and for men, 13.0 per cent. Women were more likely to be unemployed than men across all age groups except for those in the 45 to 54-year age group where the unemployment rate for women was 7.4 per cent compared to 9.3 per cent for men.” •

ANTIGUA & BARBUDA TO WELCOME NEW INTERNATIONALLY BRANDED HOTEL Work has commenced on the site where Antigua & Barbuda’s largest internationally branded hotel, Best Western Premier, is to construct 126 suites under the Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP).

According to Best Western Premier website, the property will be located in Harbour View on the South West coast of Antigua which is best known for its beautiful beaches and unique restaurants.

The site touts that “the location offers guests the full Caribbean experience with numerous white sand and crisp turquoise water beaches and a unique hub of restaurants known as West Coast Village.”

Each Suite at the Best Western Premier Antigua will provide guests with a large and comfortable area to relax in and enjoy their stay. Each suite has its own private covered terrace offering views of the surrounding landscape.

Fully equipped to meet the expectations of its guests, the website noted the suites will be offered with a selection of either King or Twin Double rooms. There will also be the option of interlocking rooms perfect for families traveling together.

The Hotel will have two pools, one on the roof and the other in the garden, two restaurants and cocktail bar.

This Best Western Premier Hotel in Antigua is designed to provide 126 guestrooms, generous public spaces, entertainment facilities, gym and the rooftop swimming pool and restaurant bar.

With more than 4,000 Best Western branded hotels worldwide*, Best Western International is The World’s Largest Hotel Chain.

The Hotel investment unit here will be a freehold title that will be offered under the CIP. The owner will receive the following: four per cent guaranteed return for five years, ease of acquisition, no withholding taxes on dividends, lowered property taxes, no transfer taxes, no management fees and no H.O.A fees. Each hotel unit will cost US$400,000. •

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IN THE KNOW

“IN-CAMERA” WE TRUST By: Dr. Chris Bart

In the past, when directors had to discuss sensitive or supposedly confidential issues, a motion was typically made for the board meeting to go “in-camera”.

The phrase in-camera is Latin for “in a chamber” but is now used today as a legal term for “in private” in which, for a portion of a board or committee meeting, one or more of the individuals in attendance is asked to leave the room.

PRIVACY: A MATTER OF DEGREE Interestingly, there are several gradations of these “in private” sessions. For instance, where a board holds its meetings in public forums [which are commonplace among hospitals and universities], a portion of the meeting is often reserved for a “closed session” during which only members of the board and specific invitees are permitted to remain. Those invitees would typically include the Chief Executive Officer, selected members of the senior management team [such as the Chief financial Officer] and various professional advisors whose work supports the activities of the board [e.g., the internal and external auditors, compensation consultants, executive recruiters, etc.]. The kinds of sensitive matters to be discussed at such a “closed BusinessFocus

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session” ordinarily involve the awarding of contracts, legal and accounting issues, or conflicts of interest where it is in the best interests of the organisation to keep the board’s deliberations on these matters private.

After this, the next level of privacy would be a “board only session” in which just members of the board and the Chief Executive Officer are present. The main purpose in having such a session is primarily to allow the Chief Executive Officer to discuss his concerns and recommendations regarding members of the senior management team and/or the professional board advisors (especially the internal and external auditors and sometimes the legal firm) with whom he must interact in the course of fulfilling his job responsibilities.

The purest form of in-camera sessions occurs, however, when only the independent board members are in attendance. If there are management members on the board, they are excused because they cannot be relied upon to objectively contribute to the deliberations at hand. What are the sensitive matters and issues that are reserved for this type of session?

Generally speaking, they comprise: an

evaluation of the performance of the Chief Executive Officer; determining the CEOs compensation; internal board governance issues [e.g. Board and director evaluations; board and committee responsibilities]; individual director and CEO succession planning; individual one-on-one meetings with both the internal and external auditors; and, giving the “shy” directors an

Dr. Chris Bart, FCPA is a recognized global governance authority, the author of two best sellers, and CoFounder of the Caribbean Governance Training Institute. The Institute is currently providing throughout the Caribbean an intensive 3 day corporate governance programme leading to the prestigious, internationally recognized, Chartered Director (C.Dir.) designation. For more information visit CGTI’s website: www.caribbeangovernancetraininginstitute.com or phone Lisa at 758 451 2500

opportunity to express concerns and/or ask questions that they were hesitant, for whatever reasons, to raise in the presence of the CEO.

them on what constitutes legitimate in-camera matters and concurrently giving the meeting chair the authority to enforce it.

RULES OF ENGAGEMENT

Thou shalt not. Generally speaking, such a policy should reinforce the notion that in-camera board meetings are NOT to be used for rescinding management decisions previously approved or raising personal agendas. They are also NOT to be used for making new decisions other than three: the decision to fire the CEO; the determination of the CEO’s pay; and any internal board governance matters.

Other than these three, all boardrequired decisions should be deliberated and made in the presence of the CEO to guarantee that the board has obtained all the information that management possesses in response to any issues or concerns expressed by the board. After all, there is a tremendous information imbalance between the board and management. And so, when board members review, deliberate and decide on management recommendations in the absence of management, they deprive themselves of the opportunity to extract valuable knowledge that is locked inside the heads of those engaged in the business 24 hours a day. In so doing, they risk making sub-optimal decisions.

Until recently, the process and circumstances for going in-camera were made on an ad hoc basis during a board meeting as the situation warranted.

However, the idea of conducting these types of sessions both more routinely and in a more prescribed manner has gained considerable popularity. This is to avoid the possibility of individual directors calling for impromptu or snap in-cameras during a meeting which, when they occur, both frighten and anger management.

Accordingly, it is today considered best practice that boards and their committees include an in-camera session as the last agenda item at every meeting, even if it is not used or “waived off”. Moreover, there is also a growing movement suggesting that an in-camera session should be held at the start of every board meeting to give directors the opportunity to organize their thinking and especially the priorities surrounding the agenda items put before them.

By taking this approach, it is believed that management will become more sensitized to having in-cameras [remember, management physically has to leave the room] and therefore feel both less awkward and less suspicious when they occur.

NEED FOR A POLICY When the decision to go in-camera is made, however, it should be guided by specific conditions which qualify for it to occur, such as the list provided above.

Otherwise, some board members may be tempted to have their boards conduct more and more of its routine business during these types of sessions. It is for this reason that boards need to consider developing an in-camera policy to guide

Holding back. Another major consideration in conducting in-camera sessions is for the meeting chair to assess the comments and expressions of concern made by the “shy” board members. The question has to be raised with them (usually after the meeting in one-on-one sessions with the chair) as to why they felt they could not express those matters in the presence of management. What were they afraid of?

And what needs to be done to give them more courage? Indeed, if such activities are not nipped in the bud, there is the danger that more and more directors may feel tempted to hold back on their comments and reserve them for the incamera session, where again there is no opportunity for a live conversation with management.

Behind the green curtain. Finally, while in-camera sessions have no minutes, except for any formal resolutions made, management is always desperate to know what happened! It is therefore strongly recommended that the meeting chair keep a record of both the questions asked and concerns expressed by the directors, but without attribution. The list should be in writing and read back to the directors present to ensure their accuracy before the meeting’s termination. If time permits, the CEO should be called back into the room and presented with the list for a response to be given at the next meeting. However, if the board/committee meeting concludes with the end of the in-camera, the board chair should immediately go to the CEO’s office and inform him of the list of concerns, again for resolution at the next meeting.

IN CONCLUSION Whether Management likes them or not, in-camera sessions of the board and its committees are now here to stay.

They are a valuable tool and regarded as an indispensable best practice in well governed organisations. Yet, many Caribbean boards still do not know when and how such meetings should be held.

Fearing management’s reaction, they currently do not have them as a routine agenda item thereby leaving their firms and themselves vulnerable. So here’s the big, uncomfortable question for Caribbean directors: to what extent does your board have regular, appropriate and productive in-camera sessions that help serve and enhance your meetings’ purpose? If you think that there is room for improvement in the way your board carries out this important governance function, you might want to consider sending them to one of the corporate governance training programmes currently available in the region – like the extraordinarily unique 3 day Chartered Director Programme (“C. Dir.”) currently being offered by The Caribbean Governance Training Institute.

After all, it’s not education which is expensive, but rather ignorance. • BusinessFocus

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BUSINESS TECH

You, as an individual, have been caught in the crosshairs and have become the disembodied object of a deliberate bombardment of attacks on your right to privacy. All three categories of attackers: thieves, governments and corporations believe that they all have an unrestricted right to your privacy.

W H AT D O E S E N D T O E N D E N C RY P T I O N M E A N F O R YO U R P R I VA C Y ?

By: Yves Ephraim

Those of us who scour the Internet daily, have unwittingly become targets of thieves, governments and corporations operating under the cover of stealth.

To these three categories of attackers, we are mere exploitable objects or economic prey. Thieves see us as dumb prey just waiting to be scammed out of our hardearned money: either through identify theft, ransomware, phishing attacks or by being fleeced under the pretense of helping us to gain access to millions of unclaimed funds for which a handsome commission is promised.

Moreover, governments want to observe our individual browsing history, telephone calls and text messages to see how many of

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us are potential sexual aberrants, terrorists, money launders, tax evaders or drug pushers. If you are not careful, an idle word or an inadvertent foray to a questionable website could get you in jail with the burden of proof on you to prove your innocence.

In Antigua & Barbuda, if someone sends you content that is regarded as child pornography, even if you did not request it, you could be found guilty of a serious offence, even if you deleted it.

Corporations are forever tracking your browsing history to determine what are your interests or purchasing preferences.

They hope to use this information to push relevant content or purchasing options to you in order to increase their sales.

It is easy to persuade most people that it is not right for thieves and corporations to have unrestricted access to your private information or activities, without your prior consent. Where the quarrel arises is whether government should be treated as a special exception to this rule.

I ask the question: if you were walking down High Street and a stranger stopped you and demanded that you give him your bank account number, would you willingly give up that information?

I believe most of you would give an emphatic, NO! Now, if the same person that demanded your bank account number showed that he worked for a government agency, why should your answer change? Is that person some type of super saint because he now works for a government agency? Has God somehow removed all of that person’s sinful inclinations just because that person decided to work for a government agency? What has really changed? I would submit that your risk of financial loss by releasing your bank account information to this person has not changed! You therefore need to be just as secretive.

I contend that most of us have been conditioned into thinking of government as this benign, benevolent behemoth that always looks out for our best interests.

What most of us fail to recognise is that government is run by fallible, corruptible, self-centred individuals like you and I. History is littered with examples of how government officials and by extension, governments, tend to rule contrary to the wishes of the individual citizen: whether by onerous taxes; by turning citizens into criminals with the enactment of petty laws; by robbing us of our freedom to criticise their actions or; even by “ethnic or ideological cleansing”.

For the reasons given above, I contend that government should not be exempted even under the so-called pretext of crime prevention.

I am yet to be convinced and there is very little evidence to show that this unrestricted invasion of our privacy by government has or will ever stop crime from happening.

If I could be convinced that giving up my privacy would result in an earthly utopia with no crime, I would be the first in line.

Since I know that there can be no manmade utopia on earth, I therefore regard the protection and defense of the privacy of the individual as more important than the well-intentioned but unattainable ambition of government to prevent crime.

The freedom of the individual to pursue his or her dreams is paramount, provided that another person’s freedom is not violated in that pursuit.

Your individual freedom is inextricably linked to your right to privacy. Anyone, government or otherwise, who violates your privacy, also violates your individual freedom.

We should not forget the lessons of the enslavement of our African ancestors and how it was with the blessing of legitimate governments that atrocities were allowed to be perpetrated against innocent people.

It matters not who runs the government, the objectives of government intrinsically run counter to that of the individual, even with the best intentions of achieving the nebulous and elusive goal of the “greater good”.

In recent times some technology companies have come out in defence of the individual’s right to privacy and have even challenged the authority of governments to have unrestrained access to our personal information or activities.

We have seen the likes of Apple come out in defence of the right to individual privacy, despite the threat of significant government censure.

This year, we saw Whatsapp launch what they referred to as “end to end encryption”.

The significance of this move might not be so apparent to the average Whatsapp users.

It is not that communication on Whatsapp was never encrypted to begin with. In fact, your Whatsapp communications have always been encrypted.

comply with any government request to hand over records revealing the activities and conversations of individuals who use the Whatsapp service.

The encryption process requires encryption keys to lock and unlock the contents of your communications.

Prior to this change in policy, Whatsapp had access to your encryption keys and it was possible for Whatsapp to unilaterally decrypt your communications and reveal the contents of your communications and activities.

By moving to “end to end encryption” the encryption keys are now stored on your device. A unique encryption key is created and stored on your device for each person with whom you communicate over Whatsapp.

This move has essentially increased the level of difficulty that governments, thieves and corporations will have to gain access to your personal information through third parties like Whatsapp.

In my opinion, this move lands a significant victory for us, hapless individuals, who are engaged in the relentless fight to preserve our right to privacy and by extension, our individual freedom. •

The shift to “end to end encryption” marks a philosophical move by Whatsapp to make it impossible for them, as a company, to

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BUSINESS TECH

ECTEL CHAIRMAN PROMOTES THE BENEFITS OF NEW L E G I S L AT I O N " N E W L E G I S L AT I O N W I L L FURTHER ADVANCE THE PURPOSES OF ECTEL"

Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Eastern Caribbean Telecommunications Authority (ECTEL), Senator Vincent Byron, said that the new Electronic Communications Bill for Eastern Caribbean States is designed with best intention to serve the public interest, while offering service providers opportunities to do business in our markets.

Speaking at the 32nd annual conference of CANTO in Puerto Rico, Senator Byron told participants that the draft bill was recommended to the member states of ECTEL after extensive national and regional public consultation.

He added that the new legislation will further advance the purposes of ECTEL, which include increasing innovation in service delivery and open competition.

Byron, who is also the Minister with responsibility for Telecommunications in St. Kitts & Nevis, said that the issues which are at the heart of electronic communications regulations today for the ECTEL Member States are the reduction of roaming rates, introduction of number portability; over-the-top services and net neutrality.

The ECTEL Council Chairman said that: “While we consider all the definitions and biases in the debate on net neutrality rules, the people of our region must enjoy full access to the Internet like all other citizens of the world.”

He supported the call by Telecommunications Ministers from Antigua & Barbuda, Guyana and Trinidad & Tobago for the expansion of broadband services at affordable prices to the people of the region. The 32nd Canto conference is addressing a wide range of issues such as net neutrality, Internet of things (IoT), big data, investment in broadband networks and converged regulations.

Senator Vincent Byron Chairman of the Council of Ministers of ECTEL

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The delegates and presenters are drawn from throughout the Caribbean region, North America. and Europe. Twelve ministers are participating from the Caribbean region. The delegation from the ECTEL Member States include staff of the ECTEL Directorate, CANTO is made up of organisations responsible for operating, maintaining and supplying public telecommunications networks in the Caribbean. Its vision is: “to become the leading authority in shaping information, communication and technology in the Caribbean region and the Americas. •

WEIGHT MANAGEMENT AND BODY SCULPTING WEIGHT MANAGEMENT

BODY SCULPTING

•P HYSICIAN GUIDED WEIGHT MANAGEMENT

• CARBOXYTHERAPY

Weight Management under the guidance of a medical doctor.

• LOSE FAT, NOT MUSCLE Our weight management system is designed to lose fat and preserve muscle. Muscle is essential to healthy fat loss.

• CUSTOMIZED DIET PLAN Each individual is given a diet plan customized to their specific needs and health conditions.

• PERSONAL CHEF Personal Chefs are available to those who have special dietary needs or do not have the time to prepare the meals according to their diet plan. Food delivery to any location on island is also available.

• ONLINE MONITORING OF PROGRESS Monitor your weight loss with our online programme that records your initial body composition, guide your calorie, protein and carbohydrate intake and charts your fat loss over time. This programme lets you know precisely if your are losing fat vs muscle and lets you compare your progress daily.

• WELLNESS COACH Each person is assigned a wellness coach who will work closely with you to ensure that you are meeting your goals. The wellness coach is available to answer any questions and clarify misconceptions.

• PHYSICAL TRAINERS Personal trainers are available if needed.

They will work along with the doctor to ensure that you meet your exercise needs.

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Sculpt away unwanted fat! This procedure kills fat cells and promotes the delivery of oxygen rich blood to rejuvenate the area, by using a tiny needle to inject Carbon Dioxide just under the skin. It shapes the body while tightening the skin and can also be used to reduce the appearance of scars, stretch marks, wrinkles and cellulites •R ADIO FREQUENCY CAVITATION AND ULTRASOUND CAVITATION USED FOR BODY SCULPTING Radio frequency and ultrasound cavitation are two techniques that are very similar to each other in function and effectiveness.

They create micro-cavities that destroy fat cells and transform them into liquid, which would then be passed out of the body as waste material.

• LOW LEVEL LASER A pain free, non invasive technique that uses low level laser to kill fat cells. It is a type of non surgical liposuction.

• THERMAL BLANKETS These are used to speed up your bodies metabolic rate and increase fat loss..

• MESOTHERAPY Shape the body by removing specific areas of fat through the use of vitamins, natural plant extracts, and pharmaceutical agents injected into the skin. Mesotherapy also tightens the skin and reduces the appearance of cellulites. •

WEIGHT

MANAGEMENT

BODY

SCULPTING

Old Parham Road, St. John's, P.O. Box W1472 | Tel: 268 562-8833 Email: info@bhealthyantigua.com | www.bhealthyantigua.com

SQUARE ON E LTD “ S O L I D F R O M T H E GROUND UP” C O N ST R U CT IO N DESIGN D E V E LO P M E N T Square One was founded by Peter Reitz who moved to the Caribbean from Germany 36 years ago (1980).

His professional background at that time was in Dental Technology and fine mechanics.

This attention to detail has been implemented into his Construction business which he started 15 years ago after he sold his Dental business.

“I have always embraced new challenges and since I did quite a bit of property development in all my years in the Caribbean the next step evolved and Square One Ltd was established!”

Peter has also worked in construction on Jumby Bay Island on various projects during the last 15 years. With a local and international clientele and projects that cover residential and commercial scope, Square One has also started to develop and design projects of their own such as “Bay Gardens” and “Le Jardin Creole” on the north coast of Antigua amongst other projects.

The “Bay Gardens” residential project consists of eight individual lots where Square One has designed a concept for a modern contemporary style of “Island Living” and everything is done from design, planning and construction “custom build” with the input of the clients.

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Square One offers project management contracts to clients as well.

Square One is also linked to their own plumbing contract services “H2One Ltd.” which is run by Peter’s son Robin who is born in Antigua and was educated and trained in Germany in up to date plumbing techniques using the latest materials in residential and commercial applications.

Square One also has its own landscape division and operates its own nursery including a large inventory of various palm species.

We are happy to look at any of your plans and discuss various options from Fixed Bid contracts and Cost – Labour – Plus applications for any project you may have in mind.

Feel free to contact us anytime for further information.

SQUARE ONE LTD. P.O. Box W1211, St. John’s, Antigua Tel (268) 561-1835 | Cell (268) 464 -7576 E-mail: squareone@candw.ag •

36 Y E A R S A N D C O U N T I N G

P.O. Box W1211 St. John’s Antigua T: (268) 561 1835 | C: (268) 464 7576

S OCI AL SECURI TY M U S T C H A N G E TO

M E E T FUTURE C HA L L ENG ES

For the past 43 years, the Antigua & Barbuda Social Security Board (ABSSB) has been an integral part of the economic landscape of Antigua & Barbuda as the primary entity providing social protection in the form of cash benefits to qualified contributors and their beneficiaries.

The ABSSB uses the Pay-As-You-Go system and is, thereby designed in a way that creates a link between the amount workers and their employers pay into the System over their working years and the amount received in cash benefits. In other words, the more one earns up to the Social Security ceiling currently at $6,500, the more one would receive in benefits.

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At the end of December 1981, the ABSSB had 166 age pensioners. This number jumped to 2,491 by the end of 2000 and by the end of 2014, the number of age pensioners again significantly increased to 8,244.

Records indicate that there were roughly 38,000 active contributors to the ABSSB as at December 31, 2015. For this period however, there were approximately 8,800 age pensioners indicating that about 4 contributors are paying for 1 pensioner. At the current rate, it is anticipated that there will only be a 1:1 ratio of contributor to pensioner by 2036.

This is by far insufficient, as social security standards tell us that 10 or more contributors are needed to fund one pensioner.

" A B S S B. . . A N INT EG RAL PART O F T H E E C O N OM IC L ANDSCAPE O F A N T I G UA & BARBUDA " When the Social Security programme was established in 1973, a 60 year old Antiguan or Barbudan had an average life expectancy of about 5 years. Today, the average life expectancy at age 60 is at least 18 years and rising. In fact, by the end of 2014, the ABSSB was paying age pensions to more than 100 persons who were 90 years and older. When considering that within less than five years, one is likely to receive all contributions paid into the Fund, it should be easy to understand the current state of affairs affecting the ABSSB and many social security systems both within and outside the region.

Demographics is the main contributor to the disparity between the number of contributors (insured persons in employment) to age pensioners. Not only are persons living longer and healthier lives than ever before, but gone are the days when persons would have six and more children. This has significant implications to the social security system, as the more persons in employment the greater the benefit for a social security system. In addition, many individuals migrate during their productive years, further compounding the scarcity of workers needed to contribute to the Social Security Fund.

For this reason, the actuary has made a number of recommendations to address the pending crisis facing the social security system. To safeguard the sustainability of social security in Antigua & Barbuda, Social Security must change to meet future challenges.

Consequently, as the ABSSB forges ahead in its endeavours to meet the future needs of its contributors, efforts are currently in place to reform parametric measures. One major change will be a gradual increase in the pension age of workers towards 65 years. This will be in keeping with the harmonization of legislative initiatives across the region while addressing the increasing life expectancy. An increase of two percent in the contribution rate to be shared equally between employers and employees is also on the horizon.

The ABSSB continues its pledge to achieve its company's motto of “growing to provide” for the needs of its contributors and its beneficiaries. •

Mission and Vision

On

scholarship, and excellence as it builds a cadre of human resources with the skills, knowledge and global job market.�

Technology has lived up to its mission as it has become

Caribbean region, developing individuals with the technical knowledge & skills needed to power their

Educating You For the World

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they traveled abroad, and has integrated technology

The people who keep ABIIT running on a daily basis

Programs

introducing two new Associate Degrees over the next two years: Psychology and

courses in I.T., with its main remit being human resource skill-set within the

Specialised Training Programs

eight (8) associate degrees, and two (2) diploma programs.

partner

In keeping with its mission to build a cadre of human resources with the

knowledge and skill-sets needed to

current and relevant for the global job

year, ABIIT successfully trained over

fully online, and hybrid Associate Degree in Human Resource Management. This

Barbuda Airport Authority, and the

aiding

local

Technology. The program consists of 15 modules customised to the Caribbean region, which is a key feature its rival business

Technology.

Barbuda.

Technology,

in

Architecture

Technology,

& Barbuda in being fully compliant with global compliance, and regulatory laws.

two industries, and includes areas such as Know Your Customer (KYC), Source of High Risk Customers &Enhanced Due

amongst other crucial areas within the Students enrolled in this program receive

MLFC Institute

and online, and receive several perks,

In November of 2015 the Minister of

theList.pro, 2-year membership to MLFC

a Memorandum of Understanding with

online events, discounted conference rates, and an electronic manual, which

their University partner for the OECS region and Barbados.

events in the compliance, and regulatory September of this year, and its second cohort will begin on October 6, 2016.

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Modern Classroom Environments

Technology Focus

of Technology provides a learning environment for

online courses in its Computer Network Engineering, and

handicapped accessible bathrooms, a library/learning

In January of 2015, ABIIT rolled out hybrid and fully-online courses throughout all its disciplines infusing modern

the learning environment as conducive to learning as possible. infused classrooms for students equipped with projectors and computers. Wireless hotspots allow

to conduct pretests and post-tests, upload and share crucial

on campus to enhance their learning experience, and conduct research.

through the use of discussion forums and chatrooms, and

technical resources within the classroom to enable students, and to provide students with the same

to allow faculty, and students to access online learning aboard.

I.T. Infused Classroom

Student/Campus Life In January of 2015, ABIIT made headway Basketball team, the ABIIT Mill-Blades. The ABIIT Mill-Blades, which consisted of ten under twenty students from the institution, competed in the national school under twenty league in Antigua & Barbuda. ABIIT has plans to compete in the Business League in September of 2016, as well as the other sports leagues including Volleyball, Softball, Tennis, Football and Track and Field.

Aerial shot of ABIIT's Campus BusinessFocus

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International Affiliates In June of this year, through its partnership Technologies was launched, which allows Technology.

to the future.

Danelle Martin Head of Campus (Ag)

Technology have access to avenues Associate level.

The Future

Memorandum of Understanding with St. Mary’s University in Halifax Canada,

“I truly believe that education is the most valuable gift that you can give to an individual. I am excited about the progress that the Antigua & Barbuda International Institution

with Mid-Western State University, Pace, Skidmore, Monroe, and American

The contributions this institution has made to the nation of Antigua & Barbuda and the wider Caribbean has played a critical role in the development of the human-resource skill-set in the local, regional and international arenas, as ABIIT has students actively employed across several critical industries world-wide.

ABIIT has recognized that we now live in a global competitive world, and has responded by creating courses and programs that equip our students with the technical knowledge and skills needed to enable them to compete in the global arena.

ABIIT is an institution which has persevered, despite all of the challenges that we have faced, and have lived up to our vision of revolutionizing the tertiary education landscape within Antigua& Barbuda.

ABIIT will continue to act as a strategic partner to our local business organisations and our nation as a whole, to enable the rejuvenation and strengthening of our local economy. I look forward to celebrating our next milestone, as we stay on the course to making tertiary education more accessible to all the nationals of Antigua & Barbuda, and continue to cultivate world-class professionals.”

Danelle Martin

Head of Campus (Ag), ABIIT

ABIIT: Educating You For the World

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S P E C I A L F E AT U R E

THE MINISTRY OF TRADE, C O M M E R C E & I N D U S T R Y, S P O R T, C U LT U R E A N D

N AT I O N A L F E ST I VA L S :

DE V E LOP I N G A C U LT U R E O F E XC E L L E N C E

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FEATURE

DE V E LOP I N G A C U LT U R E O F E XC E L L E N C E :

FROM THE DESK OF THE TRADE MINISTER E.P CHET GREENE For the first time in the history of governments in Antigua & Barbuda, the departments of Trade, Commerce, Industry, Sports, Culture and National Festivals have been pulled together to work as one grand team. Credit must be given to Comrade Leader, Prime Minister Browne for his choice in the mix and vision for the unique amalgamation.

It has allowed for the building of synergies across traditionally mutually exclusive public departments which work well together in the private sector. For example, sporting and entertaining events normally include some element of cultural activities; and under my portfolio public sector resources have been rationalised to achieve maximum value.

At national sporting events such as International Cricket, Interschool Athletics and National Sports Awards the Ministry has culled resources from Culture and National Festivals without additional charges on the public purse, which would have otherwise been the case.

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" I

LAID OUT MY VISION FOR ‘A C U LT U R E O F E X C E L L E N C E ’ The Trade, Commerce & Industry departments have also been able to support the work of Sports, Culture & National Festivals through the offering of technical assistance and it has been a seamless process.

Getting to where we are today started with dialogue. Upon being appointed to serve as Minister of Trade, Commerce & Industry, Sports, Culture & National Festivals, I immediately engaged in dialogue with both Permanent Secretaries and then the Heads of the various Departments comprising the Ministry. At the end of those sessions it was recognised that there was need to immediately identify a core vision which would galvanise the work of my team, while channeling public expectation.

For immediate inspiration I laid out my vision for ‘A Culture of Excellence’ to permeate the Ministry. Department Heads were challenged to become resultsdriven, to develop work plans that had specific outcomes and I encouraged staff participation and productivity.

The Ministry’s vision has driven output.

Many of the visible projects have resulted from inter-departmental collaboration.

The very successful National Trade Expo last year, which saw over 100 enterprises that produce goods and services locally, was a mandate from me to the Trade Division, executed by a team comprised of staff from all departments. There will be the second installment later this year, featuring the Creative Arts Sector.

To complement the success of the National Expo, there were several trade missions providing opportunities for manufactures to generate export avenues and for the creative arts entrepreneurs to export their trade (services).

"

Recently, the Statistics Division released the preliminary results of the first ever National Labour Force Survey conducted in Antigua & Barbuda. This is a singular, most significant addition to the quality of the socio-economic data base on Antigua & Barbuda as it is the first time the nation has scientifically prepared employment statistics. The team at the Statistics Division is to be commended.

In culture, my team worked to establish the Creative Arts Fund which was a novel opportunity for non-traditional financial assistance to lend support to the development of cultural industries as solid businesses.

Under my tenure, for the first time nationally, there is a single agency responsible for all national festivities with full time, year-round staff – The Antigua Barbuda Festival Commission.

This has resulted in increased efficiencies in managing national festivities such as Independence, Caribana and Carnival, providing a platform for the development of other Festivals such as the soon to be unveiled National Literary and Arts Festival. There have also been significant successes in marketing National Festivals as evidenced by the strong showing of visitors to the recently concluded Carnival.

The Culture Division, which has been supplying the majority of the tutors for the highly successful Theatre Arts at the CSEC (CXC) level in our secondary schools has to date, successfully executed two National Schools Drama Festivals. The winning school, AGHS has had a very creditable showing at the Caribbean Secondary School Drama Festival. Antigua and Barbuda is slated to host the 2017 edition of the Caribbean Secondary Schools Drama Festival.

And in sports, we reintroduced the National Sports Awards, honoring the accomplishments of our very best athletes.

This most important event on the national sports calendar had been on a hiatus. We have also begun significant work to improve the Inter-Schools Athletic Competition.

The renovation at the Sir Viv Richards Stadium is also a significant accomplishment.

We have since undertaken major renovations with the invaluable support of the Chinese Government and direct financial injection from our Government.

We have also increased and diversified the activities/events at the facility. The stadium generates revenue to contribute to its upkeep, through regular hosting of events such as weddings and conferences and the meeting facilities have been utilized heavily by government agencies, resulting in significant cost savings for the government on the rental of facilities.

I would not wish for my tenure as Minister to end without the establishment of a Business Desk to provide comprehensive support to small and medium enterprise manufacturers of goods and services across all sectors. We are currently engaging with international partners to make this a reality in the shortest possible time.

The Ministry continues to work towards full attainment of its vision of ‘A Culture of Excellence’. The staff has, commendably, bought into that vision and remains committed even under less than ideal conditions in some instances.

I wish to also commend Parliamentary Secretary Senator Colin James and my Permanent Secretaries for their support as we work together to manage my ministerial portfolio as we strive to become the economic powerhouse of the Caribbean. •

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FEATURE

S U PP O R T I N G S M A L L B U S I N E SS DE V E LOP M E N T THROUGH GOVERNMENT ASSISTED PROGRAMMES

At a time when the global economic outlook continues to shift, small vulnerable states like Antigua & Barbuda must seek new and alternative areas for economic growth, while at the same time we must enhance and strengthen already existing areas of economic activity.

Therefore, in keeping with government’s philosophy and vision of transforming Antigua & Barbuda into an economic power house within the region, the Ministry of Trade, Commerce and Industry has a pivotal role in ensuring that this philosophy and vision are manifested through the programmes and activities which it undertakes. It must stimulate growth in the economy, encourage entrepreneurship in non traditional sectors and promote business development for the benefit of its stakeholders - particularly, the small and medium enterprises, SMEs. That’s why the Ministry has been facilitating several initiatives that would facilitate growth and diversification of industries, in a dynamic but sustainable economy. Among the initiatives, is a project, with the assistance from the European Union through the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), aimed at strengthening Private Sector participation in the Caricom Single Market Economy (CSME) Business Development with particular emphasis on the arts and craft sector. The project has already drawn participation from several artisans, producers and retailers in the sector who met with the regional consultant working with the country programme.

The project is both action and result oriented and includes analysis of the arts and craft sector, implementation of a market-driven study which is gender responsive as well as the preparation of BusinessFocus

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an action plan for export ready enterprises in the sector. It is envisioned that a selection of producers who are considered export ready will participate in a trade exposition overseas. Other supporting elements include training in business management and the creation of linkages with other sectors for national development.

The agro processing sector is another area that has received attention from the government through the Ministry under the same EU – CDB programme as part of facilitating small business development as a means to sustainable economic growth and empowerment of vulnerable groups, particularly women and the youth, focusing on increasing the competitiveness of this sector.

The US $80,000 from the EU through the CDB, covers research in identifying local and export market opportunities for agro processing, training and business support and the preparation of a trade mission for export ready producers.

The development of an incubator for small business development and the Organisation of American States OAS assisted programme, to develop a Small Business Development Centre in the country are among other projects and programmes which the Ministry is pursuing on behalf of the government.

These are all in keeping with stimulating economic growth, creating empowerment, increasing competitiveness and wealth generation among small businesses in their respective sectors. Clearly, the success of these initiatives require linkages with other agencies, both public and private sector in several areas. •

A N T I G U A

&

B A R B U D A

LO O K I N G TO CUBAN MARKET Antigua & Barbuda recently sent a trade mission to Cuba which Trade, Commerce and Industry Minister, E.P Chet Greene described as a strategic move given the imminent lifting of the decades-old United States trade embargo.

“We need to get in on the ground in Cuba as early as possible as the potential for business opportunities is significant,” he said of the June 20 to July 1 mission.

Emphasising the importance of the mission, Greene said that new shipping lanes will soon open into Cuba making the island of 11 million people accessible to products from Antigua & Barbuda and other countries.

He said on a weekly basis, a number of containers leave Antigua & Barbuda empty for the United States and “we could arrange for these containers to take goods destined for Cuba back to Miami, then it’s a quick trans-shipment to Havana”.

“I see much prospects from jumping in early with this mission to Cuba as the old saying goes: Early bird catches the worms,” he said, expressing confidence in the quality of the products displayed during the mission.

Greene also announced that the Antigua & Barbuda took along a cricket coach on the mission to explore the possibility of assisting Cuba develop a cricketing programme.

“We are looking to export our human capital... Some time ago Cuba had expressed an interest in developing a cricket programme just as Cuba over the years has exported its medical personnel to Antigua and Barbuda; we are thinking of doing the reverse; that of exporting coaches from our cadre of coaches.”

Greene said that the Ministry of Tourism also has its eyes set on establishing critical links with that country to include air-links, noting that Cuba already has its national airline, Cubana, which may be used to service the route.

Meanwhile, according to Greene, last year’s trade mission to Guadeloupe and Martinique has paid dividends although it has created some challenges that are yet to be overcome.

“It’s quite a challenge getting our goods into those two French departments. We have orders that we can fill, but getting the goods into those territories is quite a problem even though we now have a regular ferry service between Antigua and Guadeloupe. There is still no cargo service,” he explained.

In contrast, the minister feels that Cuba will be different once the embargo is fully lifted. He said similarly, existing direct links to the Dominican Republic are already in place. •

E.P Chet Greene - Trade Minister

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FEATURE

N AT I O N A L G A R M E N T M A N U FA C T U R I N G I N I T I AT I V E : M A K I N G O U R O W N , W I T H P R I D E A N D D E D I C AT I O N

I F T H E G O V E R N M E N T W A N T S TO M A K E T H E N AT I O N AN ECONOMIC POWERHOUSE, THEN IT MUST SEEK TO DIVERSIFY THE SERVICE-ORIENTED ECONOMY AND EMPOWER ITS PEOPLE.

As a part of the Government’s policy to foster a spirit of entrepreneurship among its citizenry, the Ministry of Trade has been tasked with leading initiatives to fulfill this mandate. There are several initiatives that are currently been addressed by the Department including a Business Incubation Centre (BIC) which is in its infant stages; the establishment of a business desk to serve as a one-stop shop for all information to facilitate business development, particularly for small and medium enterprises; and the expansion of the local manufacturing sector.

The National Garment Manufacturing Initiative (NGMI) is a core component of the drive to expand the productive capacity of the manufacturing sector.

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda, in collaboration with the Peoples’ Republic of China who provide technical assistance and the requisite equipment, facilitated a 12-week training course in garment construction between November 2015 and February 2016.

A total of 173 persons completed the programme under the guidance of two Chinese experts.

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It is anticipated that the trained individuals would form the core of several initiatives designed to add value to the local manufacturing sector while reducing the importation of several commodities. Already, many of the newly trained individuals were utilised in the construction of the ‘eco- friendly’ bags distributed by the Ministry of Health & the Environment recently.

Work is moving ahead for the formation of a Cooperative which will enable teams to engage in uniform manufacturing, reducing the reliance on imports for use among by our school population. It is anticipated that the production will be expanded to include production of t-shirts and other apparel and household products. A deliberate effort will be made to form synergies between the cooperative’s production and the requirements for events held under the auspices of the Antigua Barbuda Festival Commission, taking advantage of a captive market. This represents scope for at least a EC$1 million injection annually into the domestic economy replacing previously imported goods.

Outside of the initiatives actively supported by the Ministry through the Cooperative venture, it is anticipated that participants will use the knowledge gained to improve the quality garment production in existing and new private enterprises.

Dialogue continues between the Ministry and the Chinese Ambassador to provide more training opportunities to continuously improve the technical abilities of residents interested in the industry and the government remains committed to supporting entrepreneurial aspirations of participants through the various funding initiatives. •

BF: What is/are the core function(s) of the ministry which you oversee?

SJ: Essentially, the Trade, Commerce and Industry Section of the Ministry is tasked with the cross-cutting responsibilities of trade policy formulation and implementation in respect of Regional Trade and creating an enabling environment for entrepreneurship, innovation and the growth of small and micro enterprises (SMEs). These core operational functions are key to making local SMEs more stable, robust and sustainable thus enhancing their contribution to improved standards of living and national economic development.

BF: What level of support is given or will be given to SMEs to build them to the level outlined in the ministry’s vision?

PERMANENT S EC R E TA RY ' S STAT E M E N T MARRYING TRADE, COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY UNDER ONE MINISTRY IS E X P E C T E D. I N FA C T, I T I S DONE IN MOST COUNTRIES BECAUSE THOSE SECTORS ARE ALL CONCERNED W I T H T H E C R E AT I O N A N D DELIVERY OF GOODS AND SERVICES. IN ANTIGUA A N D B A R B U DA , S TA F F I N THESE THREE AREAS WORK T O G E T H E R S M O O T H LY, COMPLEMENTING EACH OTHER AND SAVING RESOURCES. PS SANDRA JOSEPH (SJ) B R I E F LY D I S C U S S E S W I T H THE BUSINESS FOCUS (BF) THE ROLE HER SECTION O F T H E M I N I S T R Y P L AY S I N N AT I O N A L D E V E L O P M E N T.

SJ: To help SMEs achieve their fullest potential, the Ministry is committed to the amelioration of the identified barriers through the development of relevant mechanisms to support the SME sector and leveraging skills and capacities already existing in the marketplace.

In this regard, the Ministry aims to provide critical assistance in areas such as business advice, skills and product development, communications, improved responsiveness and recommendation of appropriate incentives and legal and institutional framework for the growth of these businesses. Over recent years the face of SMEs in Antigua and Barbuda has evolved, moving from primarily light industries to services and the creative industries. In recognition of this shift and in order to give the requisite support to the newer industries, there are two ongoing consultancies for the empowerment of practitioners in the Arts and Craft sector and Agro-Processing. Additionally, the Ministry is about to undertake a joint initiative for the institution of a small business development centre (SBDC).

These initiatives will be complemented with appropriate policy interventions and implementation of relevant competitive strategies.

BF: What are the main barriers which retard the growth of SMEs in Antigua and Barbuda?

SJ:. SMEs in Antigua and Barbuda face certain barriers to their growth and development. Some of these are internal to the business owner and operations and many are external. Internal factors include, but are not limited to little understanding of the administrative and legal environment they operate in; ignorance of appropriate business processes and practices, the ability to market their product and absence of product differentiation. A significant number of these obstacles remain outside the scope of the entrepreneur and consist of, among other things, low visibility; ineffective or absence of appropriate policies; inefficient business support structures; the high cost of energy and restricted access to affordable finance. As a consequence of these challenges, many enterprises choose not to become formalised and are therefore not in a position to demand the business support they need to make their endeavours successful, so contributing to job creation and sustainable development.

We are committed to helping remove these barriers and have already embarked on initiatives and started consultations to do so.

BF: What other other departments or divisions help support your efforts within the Ministry of Trade, Commerce and Industry?

SJ: The Ministry provides oversight to the Statistics Department, Prices and Consumer Affairs Division and the Antigua and Barbuda Bureau of Standard. The Office of the National Authorising Office (ONAO) is a unit within the Ministry. All of these supporting departments and divisions augment and compliment the work of the Ministry in varying degrees of their respective areas of concentration. •

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FEATURE

A N T I G UA & BA R B U DA B U R E A U O F S TA N D A R DS W H AT I S I T ?

T H E A N T I G U A & B A R B U DA B U R E A U O F STA N DA R D S ( A B B S ) I S A N O R G A N I S AT I O N T H AT A I M S T O D E L I V E R ‘ Q U A L I T Y ’, S O M E T H I N G T H AT W E E X P E C T TO B E P R O V I D E D I N A L L

A S P E C T S O F O U R D A I LY L I V E S . T H I S I S W H Y O U R S L O G A N I S “ B U I L D I N G A Q U A L I T Y C U L T U R E ”.

WHAT DOES THE BUREAU DO?

The Bureau develops standards, carries out standards related activities, and proposes technical regulations that meet the needs of the public for safety and acceptable quality of goods and services. These activities also offer the opportunity for business owners and operators to purchase and implement international and regional/ national standards.

WHAT ARE STANDARDS?

When you think of standards, think of guidelines or requirements that should be followed in order to guarantee an acceptable quality of goods and services.

Since standards are actually voluntary, when consumers demand that the providers of goods and services implement standards then they should do so to remain competitive.

There are also technical regulations that are enforceable by legislation to guarantee the safety and satisfaction of the consumers who purchase goods and acquire services.

WHAT ARE TECHNICAL REGULATIONS?

Technical regulations are legal documents that are based on, or refer to specific parts of a standard. In this way the provisions of the standard become enforceable by law and therefore must be complied with.

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HOW DO STANDARDS BENEFIT ME, THE CONSUMER?

The use of standards is the basis for the convenience, versatility and safety of modern life.

Standards benefit consumers by creating confidence that the goods and services purchased and used will in fact fulfill the purpose for which you purchased them. Standards also ensure that your goods and services can be accessed and transferred around the world. We expect our credit and debit cards to work in other nations as long as the right machines are available and we expect communication networks can allow up to speak to one another.

When businesses use and implement standards, consumers are better assured of value for money.

WHAT ABOUT PRODUCERS, RETAILERS AND SERVICE PROVIDERS?

Standards also help to reduce production costs and reduce errors and wastage for producers, retailers and service providers.

This benefit comes from the consistent production/delivery of goods and services that meet particular standards. Quality products, savings and a good reputation for consistent quality are useful benefits for growing and sustaining businesses.

Standards benefit everybody!

WHAT ELSE DO YOU DO?

We also check scales and other measuring devices used in production and trade to ensure that consumers get the correct quantity of products they pay for, and so that producers do not give away their products. In the future we will also check fuel pumps to ensure that consumers are getting the amount of fuel they are paying for.

HOW CAN THE BUREAU BE CONTACTED?

The Bureau can be reached by phone at 462-2424 and by email at abbs@ab.gov. ag. We are located on Old Parham Road between Christ the King High School and Antigua Motors. Our operating hours are from 8 am to 4:30 pm, Mondays through Thursdays, and 8 am to 3 pm on Fridays.

STANDARDS DEVELOPMENT AND STANDARDIZATION IN NUMBERS …

Standards are written by technical committees comprising technical specialists from industry, representatives of government and consumer organisations, and others with an interest in the products and services. These committees have access to regional (Caricom) and international standards and testing facilities and standards setting bodies, for the development of national/regional and international standards that are relevant to Antigua & Barbuda’s economy. •

FROM THE D I R EC TO R ’ S D E S K : “# W H A T I S Q U A L I T Y ” The word “quality” conjures up different images in the minds of people depending on their situation and expectations.

Products and services perceived as being better, more reliable, more pleasing to the customer are, in most people’s minds, usually more expensive than those they consider to be of lesser quality.

Research into the definition of quality demonstrates consistently that quality has a range of dimensions. Variations exist as to how those dimensions should be defined and subsequently measured.

Dianne Lalla Rodrigues - Director of Antigua & Barbuda Bureau of Standards

Staff of Antigua & Barbuda Bureau of Standards

The development of definitions and measurement have recognised the difference between product and service, both of which represent an end experience for the customer, and quality at an organisational level, which considers operations and processes.

The term ‘quality’ is ambiguous and subjective – like beauty, it lies in the eye of the beholder. Quality is fulfilling expectations and needs: those of external customer (consumer) and those of the internal customer (employees, owners, shareholders etc.) This means that the specifications defining the product or service have been met and the customers’ expectations have been met.

Whatever the definition of quality, it is obvious that quality will not just happen – it has to be managed. It must involve everyone who is part of the entire process and therefore must be applied throughout the entire organisation. Many people in an organisation never touch or even see the product or service that their organisation produces, although they provide the vital support services.

Failure to meet (quality) requirements in any one part of the supply chain has a domino effect, and creates problems elsewhere leading to more failure and more problems.

Quality requires continual examination of the customers’ requirements and the ability to meet them. The benefits of meeting requirements at all stages are enormous. The ability to meet requirements at all stages is the determinant of the success or failure of our product or service. When the customer is not satisfied corrective action must be almost instantaneously.

It involves recognising the customer’s perception and apologizing; giving the customer a reasonable explanation for what has occurred; compensating the customer for the inconvenience; and taking measures to ensure that the problem does not occur again.

CONT’D ON PAGE 34

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FEATURE

" T H E

PROCESS OF MEASUREMENT IS O F C O N S I D E R A B L E I M P O R TA N C E

"

Conformity assessment procedures provide a means of verifying that the products, services, or systems produced or operated meet relevant requirements.

Those requirements are often specified in standards. Typical examples of conformity assessment activities are: sampling, testing, and inspection; software conformance testing, evaluation, verification, and assurance of conformity (supplier’s declaration, certification); management system assessment and registration; accreditation and approval as well as their combinations.

The process of measurement is of considerable importance in every field of human activity. Governments are becoming increasingly aware of the economic and social advantages of having an effective national measurement system and, of the importance of such a system as a tool for competitiveness. Non-uniformity in measurement, testing and product certification has become recognised as one of the major technical barriers to trade. As a result, trade agreements between nations and regions, now specifically require all signatories to accept the result of measurements and test performed by the other party. This policy is supported by the WTO and will have major implications on national, regional and international measurement systems. The movement of societies to improved and new technologies brings with it the need for a wide range of new and complex measurements in fields such as medicine, environmental protection, climate change and food and drug evaluation. National metrology systems specially here in the Caribbean are far from satisfying these needs and in order to keep pace, many new undertakings are required.

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Metrology (the science of measurement) is of crucial importance for economic growth, international trade and the quality of life for the world’s citizens. Metrology is becoming ever more important as the sustainability of domestic industries is threatened. Additionally, the fall in tariff barriers has been accompanied by a rise in non-tariff barriers. To overcome these barriers, the measurements used to characterize products and support conformity assessment must be globally recognized. Metrology is a good investment, accurate precise and reliable measurements apart from enabling new globalisation, and boosting economic growth also enhances the quality of life for our citizens. Legal metrology originated from the need to ensure fair trade and provide consumer protection and is still mainly focused in these areas. However, developments worldwide have led to the enactment of new laws and regulations and most importantly a broadening of legal metrology to protect society in areas such as health, safety, commerce, agriculture and the environment.

Quality programmes are initiated by organisations when they are confronted by strong increasing competitive pressure from outside and demands from customer for better products and services. When determining the quality of a product or service, the supplier must ensure that it fits the clients’ needs perfectly. Improving quality in products and services therefore depends on getting the right balance between techniques and methods for improving processes and systems (best practices), staff attitudes and behaviour and the service culture. In this more competitive environment what once was thought of as purely domestic economic policy now has international consequences. •

QUALITY INFRASTRUCTURE-

BUILDING CONFIDENCE FOR THE ABAA The Antigua & Barbuda Bureau of Standards is all about providing quality infrastructure services. One major service that we provide is calibration and verification of scales used in industry to ensure that the instrument's measurements are accurate in accordance with international measurement and testing standards.

Even though many people do not think about and see actual evidence of it, standards come into play in every aspect of our lives, especially with respect to safety.

Here’s an example of how our work impacts lives: Currently, the Bureau is working along with the Antigua & Barbuda Airport Authority (ABAA) to verify the scales at the airport, specifically, the ones that are used to check the weight of passengers’ luggage for flights. This simple process of annually verifying the performance of baggage scales is one item in the ABAA checklist to ensure quality in the check-in process. This quality assurance activity provides airline crew and loading agents the information necessary to ensure the safe and accurate loading and piloting of the aircrafts.

On the flip side, it is not enough just for the scales to work properly but to have the proper documentation to provide proof of accuracy. To this end, each scale is provided with its own certificate of verification. The proof that the scales have been tested and are verified to international standards provides confidence and credibility in the readings of each scale. The certification also serves as a safeguard in case of any flight anomalies involving the weight and balance of aircrafts. Just imagine the consequences if the scales gave inaccurate readings for all luggage on a flight, the aircraft is then overloaded and then, due to the excess weight, there’s an accident.

This verification of baggage scales for the ABAA, provides confidence for passengers who want to know that they are not being shortchanged on the charges for their checked luggage. The airlines will have greater confidence in ABAA as a service provider. Finally, ABAA will have the confidence that they are in turn delivering quality services to both airlines and passengers alike. In this case, excellence in quality … may literally go much further than we can imagine. •

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FEATURE

OPP O R T U N I T I E S T O WA R D A D VA N C E M E N T Over the years, CARICOM has made significant strides towards deepening the integration process amongst Member States. These have come on the heels of economic challenges and trend towards globalisation and trade liberalisation which have impacted small states such as ours. In this regard, the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) was created as a recognition of the need for ‘deepening the unification process’ but also as a response to navigate the basis of the region’s survival in the global arena.

The full establishment of the CSME is expected to improve the standards of living and work; increasing the economic leverage and effectiveness of Member States through a more liberalised trading and business environment; facilitating the free movement of skilled persons within the community and propelling the realisation of the proposed single economy which will ultimately enhance the ease of doing business in the region.

Giving context and scope to the process of implementation is the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas which governs CARICOM and the CSME. The Treaty addresses the following five regimes: Free movement of goods: the removal of customs duties and charges on goods traded throughout

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" C A R I C O M

HAS MADE

SIGNIFICANT STRIDES

TOWARDS DEEPENING T H E I N T E G R AT I O N PROCESS....

the region, which meet CARICOM rules of origin. Free movement of services: movement of service providers, without the need for a work permit, usually on a temporary basis, example, consultants.

Free movement of skilled persons: free movement of certain categories of skilled labour, throughout the CSME without the need for work permits. Free movement of capital: elimination of various restrictions such as foreign exchange controls with specific emphasis on the ease of currency convertibility and eventual move towards a single currency. Right of Establishment: the right of CARICOM nationals to establish companies and other business enterprises in each other’s Member State under the same terms and conditions as a local company. It also provides the right for managerial, technical and supervisory staff, of these companies, to be able to enter and work without a work permit.

Effective implementation of these five regimes requires harmonisation of both institutional and administrative arrangements.

It is critical to note that the Single Market component of the CSME became operational in January 2006 with Antigua and Barbuda signing on to the Single Market arrangement in June of that same year. Since this time, Antigua & Barbuda has made significant steps to comply

"

with the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas through the enactment of legislation relating to the free movement of skilled nationals and the movement of goods, within the single market, amongst other critical areas.

The establishment of the CARICOM Single Market (CSM) presents for the local Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) sector, a better environment in which to enhance the competitiveness and growth of the sector through provisions such as the right of establishment in any CSME Member State. Article 32.3 (1) of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas gives every CARICOM National the right to engage in any non-wage earning activity of a commercial, industrial, agricultural, professional or artisanal nature and to create and manage economic enterprises for the production of, or trade in, goods or the provision of services within any other Member State.

Through the CSME, these local private sector businesses have a ready-market to expand and establish themselves in the other Member States. Being in a position to improve their competitiveness to access the trade and development provisions as provided for in the agreement will have significant benefits not only to the local economy but also the region.

Core to any integration process is the movement of persons and in the case of the CSME, skilled nationals.

Currently, Antigua & Barbuda facilitates the movement of CARICOM service providers, as required by the Revised Treaty. In addition, the country has implemented the administrative regime for the Free Movement of Skilled Community Nationals in June 2008 through the establishment of the National Free Movement Committee, which presently issues and verifies CARICOM Skilled Certificate applications in the five categories as outlined in the

Treaty: university graduates, media workers, sports persons, and musicians.

The overall responsibility for oversight, coordination and implementation of the CARICOM / CSME implementation process rests primarily with the Ministry of Trade, Commerce and Industry. An aspect of the Ministry’s mandate includes the dissemination and coordination of information throughout government, private sector and the general public with specific emphasis on the various opportunities afforded under the CSME Regime. •

FEATURE

Statistics provide information on various aspects of the country: economic, social, environmental and agricultural. In the effort to develop a culture of excellence, it can be used to determine policy, monitor and provide a feedback mechanism for policy implementation to policy makers, the public and the people and institutions affected by the policies.

S TAT I S T I CS DIVISION WHEN MANY PEOPLE HEAR THE WORD “ S TAT I S T I C S ” T H E Y THINK OF EITHER THE UNIVERSITY CLASS THEY T O O K A N D B A R E LY PA S S E D O R S P O R T S R E L AT E D N U M B E R S .

W H I L E S TAT I S T I C S C A N BE THOUGHT ABOUT IN THESE TERMS, THERE IS MORE TO THE R E L AT I O N S H I P B E T W E E N YO U A N D S TAT I S T I C S T H A N Y O U P R O B A B LY IMAGINE.

In Antigua & Barbuda, the Statistics Division examines all these. The Division falls under the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Industry, Sports, Culture, Consumer Affairs and National Festivals.

The Division is divided into four sections: Economic and Business Statistics; Social, Demographic and Environmental; Information Services and Technology and; the Administrative and General Services.

In order to observe business trends and improve where necessary, it is important to compile statistics on business demographics and key indicators such as size, type, location of the business and the economic activity in which the business engages. That’s what our Business Statistics Section is mandated to do. And, we recently embarked on a two-year project to create and maintain a Statistical Business Register or (SBR), which is a central database of information on businesses in our twin-island nation,, in order to provide quality statistics from which we pull a wide range of indicators.

BF: Could you highlight some of the data/statistics compiled by the Division that is of use to the ministry and Business Community?

SD: National Accounts, in short, measures the economic activity of a country.

The National Accounts of Antigua & Barbuda is best known for its estimation of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) which provides the basis for estimating the annual growth rate of the country.

Figure 1: Gross Domestic Product Growth Rates for the period 2006 – 2015

The above graph represents the growth rate of Antigua & Barbuda over the last 10 years. It further highlights the move from a 12.07 per cent growth, resulting from a construction boom leading up to the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2007. This was followed by years of steady decline, occasioned by a number of economic factors to include the 2007 – 2008 Global Financial Crisis.

The Balance of Payments (BOP) and International Investment Position (IIP) on the other hand, record all economic transactions between the residents of Antigua & Barbuda and the rest of the world and these provide for an informed understanding of the country’s international position.

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These statistical measures provide the basis for policy makers, businesses and individuals to make informed decisions on economic issues and to help pave the way for economic development.

The Division also assists with the compilation of Tourism Statistics, designed to To facilitate the informed decisions within the tourism sector; To provide valuable marketing information; and provide timely and relevant information for policy makers to implement legislation and regulations for further development of the sector.

The main outputs are: * Visitor arrival figures (air and sea) * Visitor expenditure statistics

In addition to the Census, surveys are done to provide information on the demographic structure, for example, the size of the population, rate of population growth, age and sex. Information is also available for ethnic breakdown of the population, the average household size, unemployment rate, unemployment rate by sex, ethnicity by parish and temporary or permanent jobs. During the inter-censal years surveys are conducted such as the Country Poverty Assessment, Information Computer Technology Survey.

One of the major activities of our Division in recent months was the Labour Force Survey of September 2015, the first of its kind in the country. This is a household survey that provides important information about the country’s labour market including estimates of employment and unemployment. These are the important measures of economic performance of any economy.

* Visitor Survey Reports The main activities for this section are: * The Visitor Motivation Expenditure and Satisfaction Survey (VMESS) - this is conducted once per month at the VC Bird International Airport and has been ongoing continuously for the last three years.

The Statistics Division also compiles and publishes Consumer Price Index monthly. This provides summary information on the prices changes on a year-to-year comparison and month-to-month basis. The expenditure items (400) are classified into 30 categories that are arranged into 11 groups. The CPI is one of the most frequently used statistics for identifying periods of inflation or deflation. The CPI is most often use in negotiations for wages and salaries, and as a gauge of the inflation rate in the economy.

Working Age Population (57,418) Labour Force Participants (57,418) Employed (38,061)

Inactive Population (13,123)

Unemployed (6,234)

Figure 3: Labour Market at September 2015

According to the 2015 Labour Force Survey the working age (15 to 64 years) population in Antigua & Barbuda stood at 57,418 persons.

The Census and Survey Unit, which falls under the Social Demographic and Environmental Section, is responsible for the conduct the population and housing census which occurs at least once every 10 years.

Figure 6: Labour Force Participation by Age Group and Sex

Figure 2: Inter-Censual Change by Sex – 1991 – 2011

The population increased from 63,878 in 1991 to 85,567 in 2011 which is a 34 per cent increase over the 20-year period.

During the last three censuses women represent majority of the population as seen in the figure above. In 1991, 51.8 per cent of the population were women, compared to 53.0 in 2001 and 52.1 in 2011.

Labour Force Survey data is also used to produce unemployment rate as well as other standard labour market indicators such as the employment rate and the participation rate. This information can be used by government for planning such as deciding on how to use available resources for health care, education and employment.

We are also responsible for reporting on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the Sustainable Development Goals.

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FEATURE

DO YOU KNOW

THE BASIC CONSUMER RIGHTS? Many persons in Antigua & Barbuda are not aware that they have rights and responsibilities as consumers. The Consumer Protection and Safety Act, among other legislation, outlines those rights, so when the businesses and people try to take advantage of consumers it is the duty of the Prices and Consumer Affairs Division to take up the mantle to represent them.

SOME OF THESE RIGHTS ARE: • B asic Need The right to basic goods and services which guarantee survival, eg, adequate food, clothing, shelter, health care, education and sanitation.

• Safety The right to be protected against the marketing of goods or the provision of services that are hazardous to health and life.

• Information The right to be protected against dishonest or misleading advertising or labelling and the right to be given the facts and information needed to make an informed choice.

• Choice The right to choose products and services at competitive prices with assurances of satisfactory quality.

• Representation The right to express consumer interests in the making and execution of government policies, and in the development of products and services.

• R edress The right to be compensated for misrepresentation, shoddy goods or unsatisfactory services.

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• Consumer Education The right to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to be an informed consumer in order to make confident choices about goods and services, while being aware of basic consumer rights and responsibilities and how to act on them.

• Healthy Environment The right to live and work in an environment which is neither threatening nor dangerous and which permits a life of dignity and well-being, for present and future generations.

But consumers also have responsibilities.

• T he responsibility to be alert and ask questions about the price and quality of goods and services that we use.

• The responsibility to take action.

• T he responsibility to assert ourselves and act to ensure that we get a fair deal.

SHOP WITH THE THREE “CS” Consumer Protection begins with YOU the consumer.

SHOP wisely. Remember, the final decision to buy is yours. YOU see the item, YOU hear the advertisement, YOU fall for the sales pitch, and YOU decide that you either need or want the item, so YOU buy it. It’s all YOU!!!

So be CAREFUL. Before you buy, find out as much as possible about the item, be it a house, a car, or a pair of socks. Yes, socks. You may wish to find out what type of fabric from which the socks are made. Some fabrics are more comfortably worn than others.

Some fabrics generate more heat and cause sweating and discomfort.

You should exercise CAUTION. Find out the store’s policy before buying. For example, find out if the store would give refund or exchange even if there isn’t anything wrong with the item – and you simply changed your mind.

Shop within your means – CONTROL yourself. Do not get carried away and make purchases you do not really need or you really cannot afford. Do not buy something because your friend has one.

If you cannot pay your utility bill because you bought a new outfit, it means that you should not have bought it because you really cannot afford it.

Remember, CARE, CAUTION and CONTROL!!! •

PRICES AND CONSUMER A F FA I R S DIVISION

PRICE S S EC T I O N

• T he Prices Section is a vital part of the Division and presently has 10 Price Control Inspectors in Antigua and one in Barbuda who monitor prices in shops and supermarkets on a daily basis.

• T he inspectors usually work in pairs and they “police the prices” ensuring that they are clearly and correctly marked.

• I nspectors also ensure that wholesale and retail prices do not exceed the maximum selling prices set by the Ministers of the Cabinet of Antigua & Barbuda.

• S hould merchants fail to produce invoices upon request by the inspectors, a charge can be brought against them through the Court.

• I f a merchant obstructs an authorised officer, a charge can be brought against him/her through the Court.

• F ailure to mark goods with the selling price and selling goods in excess of the maximum selling price is serious offence that can brought before the Court.

• P rices are structured and based on a fixed pricing system, which allows the trader to calculate prices within a particular range, but not exceeding the maximum selling price of 15 per cent on dry goods, 20 per cent on frozen and chilled goods, and 22 ½ per cent on chilled meat.

• P rices of goods are determined by factors such as its origin, quantity, method of purchasing and freight charges.

• T he Prices Section produces a “Smart Shoppers Guide” monthly. It features essential goods sold by nine major supermarkets in Antigua, and their prices. This guide will prove helpful to consumers who will be able to compare prices before making their purchases.

The "Smart Shoppers Guide" is distributed to the public by the inspectors or can be obtained for free at the Unit. •

BUILDING FUTURE HISTORY TOGETHER...ANTIGUA STYLE

Private Residence - Antigua

DESTINATION CREATION

. URBAN LIFESTYLE .

ISLAND LIVING

www.obmi.com | 268.462.1047

. INSIDE DESIGN . GREEN MATTERS

FEATURE

PRICES AND CONSUMER A F FA I R S DIVISION INTRODUCES

N E W AC T I N G D I R EC TO R PCAD As Antigua & Barbuda concludes its celebration of 60 years of Carnival and approaches the observation of 35 years of Independence as a sovereign state, we are evolving as a nation of conscious consumers who must be protected against trade practices or market behaviour which could limit the choice potential or make it confusing or deceptive.

Natasha Gomes - George – (Ag). Director of Prices and Consumer Affairs Division

At this critical juncture in the country’s development, where trade and business development continue to be a national priority to foster economic growth, consumer protection should also be given the equal attention it deserves because there can be no business development and growth without consumers. Consumer spending provides the “lifeblood of business, the lifeblood of prices and jobs” (Herbert Hoover), and by extension growth in the economy.

In recognition of the importance of consumer protection, the Prices and Consumer Affairs Division welcomed, on April 1, 2016, the new Acting Director Natasha Gomes-George who has served for over 16 years in the public service of Antigua & Barbuda. A twice graduate of the University of the West Indies – 1999 and 2007 -- she brings a plethora of expertise in Foreign Policy, International Relations, Law, Trade Policy formulation, Consumer Protection Policy and Consumer Protection Advocacy, Competition Law Policy and Project Management.

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The new Acting Director assumes the leadership role of the Prices and Consumer Affairs Division. Her goals for the division and the staff are: • T raining of the staff to address the ever-changing dynamics of consumer welfare and consumer advocacy. The Division is excited to participate in its first overseas training course facilitated by the Chinese Government – “2016 Seminar on Consumer Protection for Organisation of Developing Countries”.

One of its staff members, Jackisha Camella Williams, who is a consumer liaison officer has been nominated to be the first member of staff to represent the Division in this three week training course.

• R evision and upgrading of the existing legislation to address new emerging consumer protection issues in areas such as e-commercial purchases of goods and services as well as online banking.

• O verall re-positioning of the Prices and Consumer Affairs Division to achieve revitalisation of its reputation among the wider consumer population in Antigua & Barbuda, and at the same time re-affirm a greater strategic partnership with consumers and the local private sector businesses in the domestic economy. •

YO U R YO U R M O N E Y, R I G H T S BILL OF SALE

Saving money is one of those tasks that is so much easier said than done. There is more to it than spending less money.

Consumers must realise that it takes time and patience. It begins with being able to budget wisely. Good budgeting starts by paying off your debts. “Kill your debts!”

Figure out how much you’ll have to save per week, per month, or per paycheque to attain each of your savings goals. Decide what you want to save for and figure out how much you need to start saving now.

For most saving goals, it’s best to save the same amount each period.

It’s important to keep a record of all your income and expenses. How much you make and how much you spend.

Write down everything you spend your money on for a few weeks or a month.

Be as detailed as possible and try not to leave out small purchases. Assign each purchase or expenditure to a category such as: Rent, Car, Utilities, etc. Sit down once a week with your small notebook and receipts and calculate all your expenses. You should not be spending more than your income. If that is the case, then you need to cut back on your spending. Looking at needs vs. wants is a good way to determine what can be cut from your expenditures. Most importantly, don’t give up if you are not meeting your expectations immediately.

Be disciplined. The rewards are worth it.

Once consumers make a purchase, the merchant is required to present the consumer with a receipt or a bill of sale. On the bill or receipt should be the name, telephone number and address of the store /firm (usually at the top).

On the same receipt/bill there is the content section which shows what you have purchased, the cost, and the date of purchase. Also, there is the most important part, the FINE PRINT at the bottom of the bill, which could contain any of the following: • Goods sold must not be returned • No cash refund • No cash refund - all sales final • N o exchange -no refund on electrical items It is important to note however, that none of the above applies if the good is not of merchantable quality, fit for the purpose, or as described. In such cases consumers are entitled to an exchange or a full refund.

However, consumers are advised to find out the store’s policy before making a purchase. You must be careful to collect and put away your receipt/bill of sale in a safe place, since this will be proof of the time and place that a purchase was made. A store/firm has no legal obligation to entertain a complaint in the absence of a receipt.

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FEATURE

THE OFFICE O F T H E N AO : PROVIDING CRITICAL LINKAGES BETWEEN DONOR AND TRADING AGENCIES Antigua & Barbuda is the only CARICOM Member State that has a National Authorising Officer (NAO) who is also the Trade Coordinator and Head of European Partnership Agreement (EPA) Implementation.

Functioning as a one stop shop for all European Development Fund (EDF) matters, the Office of the NAO is well positioned to access the benefits of the EDF, EPA and the all African Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) call for proposals.

Moreover, having been given renewed focus through the dedicated Ministry of Trade and with the appointment of the NAO Dr Clarence Henry as Ambassador to the Caribbean Community, the leverage of the ONAO has increased.

The NAO, Dr Henry, has managed to bring his knowledge of EDF procedures to bear when dealing with CARIFORUM, CARICOM and trade related matters under the EPA. Strategically, it has allowed Antigua & Barbuda to play a lead role in discussions with the EU both within the context of the National Indicative Programme (NIP) and the Caribbean Regional Indicative Programme (CRIP).

The ONAO has assisted with the sourcing of funds for technical studies to give policy formulation and determination. The Administration is developing a platform to provide technical hand-holding support to industries experiencing difficulties. Both of these initiatives are intended to increase the competitiveness of local industries through focus on product quality, standards and management issues, along with packaging and marketing concerns.

At present a consultant is undertaking the analysis for future increases on the price of goods and commodities. Unilateral price increases on good

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and commodities shall be a thing of the past.

Government is, for example, anticipating an upsurge in construction activities shortly and does not wish to see any unilateral surge in construction materials.

Companies will have to present justification for analysis by the Ministry of Trade.

Additionally, the project will assist with the establishment of a best practice framework and the integration of the non-service areas within the Strategy. The Office of the NAO is presently working with Spa and Wellness practitioners towards the establishment of an association, to be followed later by certification of all who work in the sector.

Another important development is that there will be a CARICOM Single Market and Economy component under the 10th EDF project. That will focus on addressing our regional export and market access potential. It is therefore imperative that all the necessary mechanisms, beyond the creation of the “enabling environment” are aggressively advanced to ensure that the business community truly benefits from all of the different trade agreements that we are signatories to.

IMPLEMENTATION OF PROJECTS AND PROGRAMMES

10th European Development Fund (EDF) Programme • U nder the 10th EDF (2011 until last quarter of 2016), the ONAO coordinated the implementation of support to the Focal Sector Public Finance Management (PFM) at the Ministry of Finance.

The support consists of a Contribution Agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and another with United Nations Conference for Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

• C omponent one of the programme provides technical assistance with the implementation of a PFM Action Plan. Whereas component two will allow for the purchase of ASYCUDA World software and the training of Customs staff as well as key stakeholders including brokers, traders and importers aimed at improving the overall Customs function and increase revenue collection.

• T he overall value of the European Union support to the PFM programme was in the amount of 3.68M Euro.

• T he 10th EDF NIP also included support measures to the Office of the NAO and Non-State Actors. The support to the NAO covered financing of the operations of the Office and the hiring of a Project Officer.

• T he 11th EDF will continue to focus on PFM and Revenue Administration.

The ONAO will again be the nerve centre for this development assistance programme, and has been coordinating various consultations and preparation of several key documents to advance the programming process.

• T he 11th EDF support is broken down as follows: 2.4M Euro – PFM and Revenue Administration and 0.6M Euro – Support to the Office of the NAO and Non-State Actors/Technical Corporation Facility, and • P rogramme Activities were originally forecasted to commence within the first half of 2016. They will likely start before year-end.

SUPPORT TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR

Trade Mission to Guadeloupe and Martinique As an impetus to operationalise the signed Memorandum of Understandings between Antigua &Barbuda and the French Caribbean Outermost Regions (FCORs), Guadeloupe and Martinique,

the Office of the NAO arranged and sourced financing to mount a Trade Mission to these jurisdictions.

The primary objectives of the Mission which was held April 19 - 25, 2015 was to strengthen trade relations between the Parties; enable policy dialogue in the area of fisheries, tourism, hospitality training, and trade facilitation as it relates to port operations; create an avenue to showcase products in various categories to Martinique, Guadeloupe and the EU Market; establish regional and international linkages with buyers and sellers of goods and services within Martinique and Guadeloupe; and negotiate business agreements and new business linkages.

Trade Mission to Cuba and the Dominican Republic Following up on the success of the visit to the French Caribbean overseas departments of Martinique and Guadeloupe, the ONAO mounted a trade mission to Cuba and the Dominican Republic in June, 2016. The mission was the first of its kind undertaken to Cuba by an English-speaking Caribbean territory and this fact was not lost on the Cuban government which spared no efforts in extending all courtesies to the representatives of the Antigua & Barbuda government and the private sector undertaking the mission. Discussions range from possible flights by the Cuban national airline, Cubana, to Antigua to exploring and/or developing trade routes between the Eastern Caribbean and Havana with Antigua being the focal point.

The private sector representatives on the trip used the opportunity to establish contacts with their counterparts in Cuba.

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between both governments at the end of the Cuba mission. Here are some of the key elements;

Sports and Culture 1. Antigua & Barbuda to provide the diffusion of cricket in Cuba to contribute to the development of the sport in Cuba; 2. Cuba to provide assistance for the creation of a Sculpture Park to exhibit the national cultural ancestry of Antigua and Barbuda; 3 Cuba to provide experts to assist with the development of the art and craft industry including painting, fine arts and gymnastics; 4. Antigua & Barbuda to provide trainers and pan builders to Cuba in support of the development of pan music at the national level; and 5. Antigua & Barbuda and Cuba to enter into a joint venture agreement for the manufacturing of steel pans.

Trade and Economic Development 1. Explore various models including a joint venture for the production of paints from Lee Wind Paints 1980 Ltd; 2. Develop joint partnerships for the export of manufactured goods and services between Antigua & Barbuda and Cuba; and 3. The Parties also agree to participate in future trade missions and fairs as part of the activities to operationalise this Memorandum of Understanding. •

" A N T I G U A

&

BARBUDA IS THE O N LY C A R I C O M

M E M B E R S TAT E T H AT H A S A N AT I O N A L AUTHORISING OFFICER ....

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FEATURE

C U LT U R A L D E V E L O P M E N T D I V I S I O N –

S U PP O R T I N G T H E DE V E LOP M E N T O F T H E C R E AT I V E I N D U S T R I E S I N A N T I G U A A N D B A R B U D A , T H E C U LT U R A L D E V E L O P M E N T

DIVISION IS THE GOVERNMENT AGENCY RESPONSIBLE FOR

DESIGNING AND EXECUTING PROGRAMMES TO FOSTER THE

C R E AT I V I T Y O F O U R YO U T H W H I L E B R I N G I N G A W A R E N E S S TO A N D P R E S E R V I N G T H E N A T I O N ’ S C U LT U R A L H E R I T A G E . T H E D I V I S I O N

S H O W C A S E S T H E TA L E N T S O F I T S T R A I N E E S T H R O U G H VA R I O U S

N A T I O N A L A N D C U LT U R A L E V E N T S , I N C L U D I N G W O R K I N G C L O S E LY

WITH THE ANTIGUA FESTIVALS COMMISSION ON FESTIVAL EVENTS.

A significant portion of the Divisions work with young people is done in collaboration the Ministry of Education through the schools. Staff from the Division teach dancing and theatre arts in several schools across the island. Theatre Arts is delivered at the CSEC level and has an average 97% pass rate since its introduction. The Division has harnessed the best of our young thespians through the annual National Secondary Drama Festivals for the past two years, with the winning school afforded the opportunity to represent the Nation at the Caribbean Secondary Drama Festival.

The Division has also invested heavily in the development of National Youth Programmes to harness the latent talent of our youth and expose them to professional standards which will serve them well in future careers. There is the Antigua National Youth Choir and the National Youth Pan Orchestra.

The Government, through its friendship with Cuba has secured technical assistance to offer sculpting and art classes to strengthen the quality of the local output. The Arts & Craft Department works with arts and craft stakeholders and formulated the National Arts & Craft Association where locals produce and market original products to include handbags, baskets, clothing, jewelry, sculptures and soaps.

There is a sustained programme of training which widens the target groups providing voice training for many of our Calypso and Soca Artists. There are also training workshops in writing Calypso and other programmes to support the work of the Festivals Commission with its official events on the National Calendar.

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As the Cultural Development Division looks ahead, it intends to forge even closer relationships with the business community by enlisting support for its many initiatives. Work will shortly commence to upgrade the facilities at the Pan Lab, where the majority of the pans are used across the schools and a number of the Steelbands are produced. Renovation work continues at the former Barrymore Hotel on a facility to support the training and hosting of events put on by the Division. Among the facilities to be provided is a recording studio for use as a training centre and also to provide mastering services to improve the quality of local recordings. The venue will also house a restaurant that will only serve ‘Antiguan and Barbudan’ food, prepared fresh daily. All of these projects provide opportunities for private sector engagement.

The Division ensures that its staff access continuous training to improve the quality of output. Members of staff have successfully pursued studies at the Edna Manley School of Arts and several members are currently in certification programmes in Dance and Theatre Arts at the Antigua State College.

The Cultural Development Division, under the leadership of Director Vaughn Walter MBE along with its 69 talented employees will definitely continue to salute the pioneers who have paved the way, leaving footprints to follow, the present ones who are raising the standards and those of the future who are the beginning of a new chapter in keeping the Culture of Antigua and Barbuda alive. Through cultivating a ‘Culture of Excellence’ the Division will continue to cultivate generations of talented youth, competent to successively participate in the creative industries. •

T H E M I SS I O N MAKING ANTIGUA & BARBUDA A P R E M I E R E N T E R TA I N M E N T D E S T I N AT I O N

Entertainment, providing avenues for the exposition of the creative arts has always been features of our twin-island economy.

Historical records reflect cultural events during Christmas which evolved to Carnival in the summer months from 1957; formal Independence celebration activities from 1981 and a number of national organised and/or supported events such as Moods of Pan, Jazz Festivals and Cry Freedom for example, have all served as platforms to profile the nation’s best talents and create events that have attracted regional and international visitors.

On being elected to office the Antigua & Barbuda Labour Party Administration determined that it was critical to have a single agency with full time responsibility for overseeing all Festivals and harnessing the Cultural Industries. Such an entity would build on the work of the Cultural Division as the central national training agency in the Arts and related sectors. The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission (ABFC) commenced operations with fulltime support from the Festivals Office housed in the division of Sports, Culture & National Festivals.

Since its inception, the Festivals Commission has led on several important initiatives. As per the primary mandate, the organisation of all major national festivities has been centralised under the leadership of a core team.

Barbuda’s Caribana and Independence celebration activities received a boost in terms of funding, and support plans are moving ahead to increase the number of events in Barbuda.

Carnival has seen a definite boost in participation as a result of the restructuring of the marketing, which has extended the international coverage and created stronger synergies with the marketing efforts of the Tourism Department.

The Carnival product remains under active assessment: the Queen Pageant has been repackaged and relocated; a single venue developed - equipped with all the sound, light and other accessories to accommodate Calypso and Soca Tents and other pre-carnival related activities, to broaden support and development of the art form from juniors through to National Competition; and deliberate efforts being cultivated to provide opportunities for our best entertainers to ply their trade and promote themselves internationally.

Artisans were afforded opportunities to showcase their craft and carve out new business opportunities at Trade Shows in Guadeloupe, Martinique and in the USA. The Commission also has direct responsibility for activities to commemorate V. C. Bird Day and expand on activities to remember our Heroes as National Heroes Day is celebrated annually from October 26, 2016.

The Festival Commissions was also instrumental in artists being able to access the Creative Arts Fund. This Fund was conceptualised by Minister E.P Chet Greene, approved by his colleagues in Cabinet and is currently administered by the Antigua Barbuda Development Bank.

Through this fund, artistes are able to

access financing at concessional rates to support their various initiatives, in particular those aimed at creating viable enterprises.

As the Commission seeks to increase the value added of the entertainment industry in the economy, work continues on improving the product. Festivals and the entertainment industry overall have significant impact on the economy. From providing opportunities for vendors, rental cars, real estate and hotels, telecommunication, distributive trades, the financial services sector and many more sectors, the entertainment industry impacts every facet of the economy. There is always room for more private sector partners to become involve in furthering the work of the Entertainment industry through sponsorship, whether at the level of the Commission, through private partnership with promoters or individual artists.

As part of its long term strategy the Antigua Barbuda Festival Commission intends to expand the range and number of events on the national calendar to encompass the gamut of creative arts and cultural industries. The National Arts & Literary Festival and a National Music Festival are among the priority to be addressed. •

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FEATURE

SIR VIV R I C H A R DS S TA D I U M TRIBUTE TO AN I N T E R N AT I O N A L CRICKETING ICON A N D N AT I O N A L H E R O G R O U N D I N F O R M AT I O N LO C AT I O N — N O R T H S O U N D, A N T I G U A , A N T I G U A & B A R B U DA

E S TA B L I S H M E N T — 2 0 0 6 C A PA C I T Y — 1 0 , 0 0 0

(20,000, FOR 2007 WORLD CUP)

I N T E R N AT I O N A L I N F O R M AT I O N F I R S T T E S T — 3 0 M AY — 3 J U N 2 0 0 8 :

WEST INDIES V AUSTRALIA

FIRST ODI — 27 MARCH 2007:

WEST INDIES V AUSTRALIA

F O R B O O K I N G I N F O R M AT I O N C O N TA C T: K E I T H R OY B L A C K

C O M M U N I C AT I O N O F F I C E R

M I N I S T R Y O F S P O R T S , C U LT U R E A N D N AT I O N A L F E S T I V A L

PHONE: 1268 772-6991 OFFICE: 481-9208 EMAIL: BLACKSPORTS7@GMAIL.COM

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The Caribbean won the bid to host 9th edition of the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2007. In keeping with the bid requirements Antigua & Barbuda constructed a new stadium in the North Sound Area with assistance from the Peoples’ Republic of China.

The facility was named to honour the outstanding cricket career of former West Indies Captain and local National Hero Sir Vivian Richards. Since hosting the Group 8 Matches in the international event, the Stadium has since hosted a number of international Cricket Matches, International football matches featuring our national football team, one international music festivals and independence events.

Until late 2014, the facility was used infrequently and with limited maintenance undertaken many components of the Stadium were left in disrepair.

Under the direction of Minister E.P Chet Greene, significant work has been undertaken to improve the overall quality of the infrastructure at the Stadium, to ensure that the facility is kept in a manner that befits the name it bears. Special commendation must go to the Chinese Government for its involvement as partial financiers of the upgrades and their maintenance team.

Today, the Stadium is a hub of regular activity. The Minister’s Office and his immediate team are housed at the Stadium; the Antigua Barbuda Service Coalition, the Community Sports & Games Division and the Head Office of the Antigua Barbuda Cricket Association are housed there. The grounds are kept in immaculate condition and the cricket facilities are made available as training facilities and for matches.

Greater emphasis on revenue generation to offset maintenance costs has resulted in active marketing to attract events year-round to the facility. Weddings, parties, food fairs, car shows, graduations, conferences, summer camps, sport training programmes, fetes are a sample of activities held year round at the Sir Viv Richards Stadium.

Strategically, there has been deliberate efforts on the part of the Stadium Management Team to attract government events, as part of the overall cost savings mechanism for Central Government. The Stadium successful hosted an international Youth Forum, saving the government tens of thousands in expenditure.

Efforts continue to improve the revenue generating capacity of the stadium to include attracting regional and international events which will provide economic activity for the private sector. Vendors and other service providers are able to capitalise on opportunities such as international test and football matches, international festivals and other events held at the Stadium. Naturally, there is a ripple effect in terms of economic activity across the business sector. •

Sir Vivian Richards Stadium has much more added value by functioning as a Government Profit Centre in regards to accommodating other Sports, Entertainment, National and/or Community events. The lion share of the funds generated goes towards its own maintenance and upkeep of the premises.

GROUNDS USES • • • •

The grounds for ICC and Regional Cricket as well as FIFA World Cup Qualifier Football Matches.

The Presidential Suite for the hosting of weddings, birthday parties and award ceremonies The State of the Art Conference Room for meetings and conferences.

The car park is used for car shows and food fair.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON AVAILABILITY AND BOOKINGS, CALL The Events Department at 268-562-6406 Ministry of Trade, Industry, Commerce & Consumer Affairs, Sport, Culture & National Festivals.

Sir Vivian Richards Stadium

FEATURE

Across the Nation sports has served as an important vehicle of socialisation, youth development and economic growth.

With the Ministry we continue to develop policies for implementation designed to maximize the impact of sports on the economy. Our work is segmented into three groups: Schools Sports, Community Sports & Games, and Sports as a vehicle for economic growth.

Through the three components we also work along with local associations and international agencies to achieve our objectives.

WHAT IS BEING DONE TO IMPROVE SCHOOL SPORTS?

SPO RTS

A N AT I O N ’ S P R I D E A N D J OY

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The Department of Sports manages all sports programmes and competitions in the Schools. Through our coaching programmes we collaborate with the Physical Education teachers for the effective delivery of training which culminates in a number of competitions across the schools. This area of training and development is critical as it serves as the core of the elite talent identification.

From this pool, athletes are identified for further training in many sports and move through the National Sports Association and other elite programmes such as Olympic Scholarships for selection to represent the country.

Outputs from the School Sports programme include the Combined School Cricket Team which recently, under the management and technical direction to staff members Ridley Jacobs and Kattian Baltimore, secured a historic first, playing undefeated on the way to capturing the 2016 Sir Garfield Sobers Tournament. Recently capped Windies player Alzarri Joseph is a beneficiary of this programme. The Annual InterSchool Athletics Championship served to identify many elites including the members of our 100m Relay team to the recently concluded 2016 Olympics in Rio and our two 100m finalists who met the time qualifying standards.

WHAT PLANS ARE THERE TO IMPROVE COMMUNITY SPORTS & GAMES

The Ministry is firm in its commitment that sports activities are to be available across the nation and for all ages. Currently, there is a pilot project in the Liberta & English Harbour area which caters to the elderly.

It comprises weekly morning exercise regimen for the aged in the community, access to massages and other basic physiotherapy and outings on a monthly basis that encourages physical activity.

The Community Sports & Games Department has been reactivated, domiciled in the North Stand at the Sir Viv Richards Stadium. Shortly, the Department will roll out a number of sports activates across 5 zones, to include Barbuda. These activities will complement the school sports programme as well as the youth development work of the various National Associations.

Another key element to support further expansion of sports is support to the National Associations. Through the National Sports Council the financial support structure is being revamped to encourage more targeted assistance and develop a clear administrative process which include better accountability for resources provided. Work at the former Barrymore Hotel is near completion where provision is being made for office spaces and general meeting areas to serve as headquarters for a number of sports and other associations. This will enhance their capacity to serve their membership and increase the quality of services offered.

HOW CAN WE USE SPORTS AS A VEHICLE FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH?

Internationally, Sports in one of the leading contributors to economic activity.

For ease of Reference, reflect on the English Premier League, Cricket in India and Sports in the United States. Locally, we can attest to the economic impact international test matches have had on the economy, injecting millions of dollars across numerous sectors.

The Ministry of Sports is determined to expand the impact of sports on the economy. Included in the strategic development plan is the redevelopment of the Antigua Recreation Grounds (ARG) to ensure that the Nation has two first class facilities to ensure that we can seamlessly host a variety of international sporting events and to improve our overall sports tourism product offering. Work on the ARG commenced immediately after Carnival.

The extensive renovation and continued maintenance of the Sir Viv Richards Stadium, the Cedar Valley Golf Course, and the work ensuing on many of the secondary facilities across the twinisland are part of this initiative.

CONCLUSION

For the Ministry to succeed in molding Sports into a National development tool, the three components outlined above must blend together through the resources available at the Ministry along with one critical factor, the Private Sector. Corporate partnerships are vital to supplementing the work of the Government, National Associations and Sport Clubs. The Private Sector partners stand to reap wide and varied benefits through their involvement, including opportunities for widening the market for their products and access to a higher quality of human resources for the operations.

The Ministry is not sitting on the achievements to date, but continues to actively pursue a ‘Culture of Excellence’.

Recently the Minister announced that sweeping changes are eminent in the bid to improve the capacity of the Ministry’s team to deliver at a higher level in terms of schools sports and overall youth sports development. Work continues apace. •

The Ministry has been working along with the 4Knights – Sir Vivian Richards, Sir Anderson “Andy” Roberts, Sir Curtley Ambrose and Sir Richard Richardson towards the development of the 4Knights Academy which has a two-fold purpose – to develop elite cricketers from the national talent pool and to develop an nternationally attractive tourism product driven through their collective brand.

Work also continues in collaboration with a number of National Associations to attract international sports events to our shores as part of the economic diversification programme.

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VETERAN M AS TRO U PE C E L E B R AT E S FOUR D ECAD ES O N THE ROAD By: Martina Johnson with excerpts from "Mélange - Caribbean Travel & Lifestyle Magazine

You can call him a designer, an architect, an artist, a craftsman, a builder; he’s all those things.

Veteran Mas builder Alister Thomas has been doing this for 40 years now: designing and building Mas costumes.

Overall, his troupe, Ali & Associates, has been the winningest band for the past seven consecutive years: Band of the Year, first, second, third in children/ school mas, Prince & Princess, Best Local and Jaycees Caribbean Queen costumes, and winner of all the categories.

For Alistair and team, they seem to work on the motto “every successful project begins with a good design” so they put their heart, soul and hundreds of hours into getting it right.

Every costume has to tell a story; it is not about making money, but making and teaching history because Carnival is serious business, our identity.

Alister told Business Focus, “Mas is an artistic expression of the people and it gives me the opportunity to express and showcase my creative artistry.”

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So, when the band isn’t celebrating it, he added, then they are preparing for it, while reminiscing about the past year's festival.

Alister wears numerous hats, he’s band leader, Information Commissioner of Antigua & Barbuda, an intellectual on African and Black History, and Geo/ Politics. And Talk Show Host.

His positions and background put him in a very unique position and he has found a way to perfectly integrate the knowledge and experience gained into his Mas building/wire bending work from the time he, Everton Jacobs and Leroy Gordon, the latter now deceased launched Ali & Associates in 1976/77.

Alister credits his achievements in the art of costume building to the leadership of Harold Barriateau. This gentleman, a carnival costume connoisseur was originally from Trinidad & Tobago but chose to reside in Antigua – an occurrence which Alister said was directly responsible for his burgeoning interest in Carnival and later, his persistent fervour for the cultural expression.

Alister became his protégé and from this liaison, Ali & Associates was born in Antigua in Villa Area. From intrigue and hesitant, inquisitive admiration to handson involvement, Alister has managed to build this successful carnival band.

Its popularity most likely stems from the fact that for the past 39 years, Alister has been creating and designing costumes and mas’ for children at various schools on the island as well as hosting a few workshops on mas’.

From there, he recruits players, eager to be part of this exciting and artistic, and colourful expression of the nation’s history and culture. He adeptly blends the subject matter of his lectures on African and Black History into the band’s portrayals, using this avenue to creatively express not only aspects of the Island’s heritage but Africans’ true universal story and history. He is an intellectual Mas Man, who fuses the mental with the visual.

“To me, most of the modern mas are a mundane, commercial expression when compared to the traditional mas which for me is a connection between the mental and visual which really is a free canvas of expression of a people in varying ways,” he explained.

Every year, between 200 and 350 people play Mas with Ali & Associates. The band consists of between four to 10 sections with each section depicting a specific aspect of the band’s overall artistic theme for that year. Four sections are dedicated to school-aged children, whose involvement is integral to the continuity of this unique cultural expression and art form as the years go by.

“Mas has a connectivity to the 1736 Akan ceremony during slavery it is one of the truest expression of our ancestral connection, it a rich history we have to pass on…so it is more than ‘pretty pretty’.

It is a message, a medium through which many expressions can be made and are in fact being made specifically with indigenous creations and productions,” he stressed.

His talent doesn’t stop at the shores of Antigua & Barbuda, but along with his perseverance, it has created many opportunities for the troupe throughout the Caribbean. Among its accomplishments are awards for best costumes worn by Jaycees contestants for St Vincent, St. Lucia, and St Kitts, Band of the Year in St Martin, Band of the Year in St. Kitts, Best Carnival Queen costume in St. Croix, and best costume in parade in Guadeloupe.

He is also very conscious of his and Ali & Associates’ contribution to the multiplier economic benefit of Antigua Carnival to the national economy.

The Band is located on High Street, St. John’s and at Keelings Point. The costumes and themes are designed and created by Alister, on few occasions codesigned with his children Damany and Serwa Thomas, and built and produced

by Ali & Associates. • BusinessFocus

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DO GOOD By: Samuel Rosenberg

Whoever tells you that business is all about making money is not entirely correct. Every company, self-employed individual and nonprofit organisation must consider how they are going to interact with their local, national and global communities, to find out the best way to share a significant part of their profits, by doing good.

Obsessing with wealth creation and materialism may be the original driver behind most businesses, but modern day activities must blend carefully with “doing good” and giving back while making reasonable profits.

Social media reporting and consideration of the social footprint is vital for all forward thinking businesses.

There are many great examples around the world where a company consistently gives back and not necessarily into its local community. One fine example is American eyewear company, Warby Parker, who mostly sell glasses online. For each pair of glasses purchased by an individual, the company donates one pair to less fortunate children in developing countries. They have combined innovation of the eyewear purchasing process which also allows free home try-ons, while continuing to demonstrate a keen interest in helping other communities.

Business analysts agree that the correlation between business and “doing good” helps a business become stronger in itself, both visually and financially.

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For a business of any size, from the one-person small business to the largest on your island, it has to consider its long term future and their relationship with their customers and the community. This can be guided by three potential plans written into the organisation’s mission statement. They will consider if they are giving enough back to charity, non-profit organisations and the general community. They will plan to be better managers of the environment and its society. Finally, they will analyse and deliver these targets so that it is also financially beneficial to the owners and shareholders, as well as the customers.

make a good return on the company’s finances.

They have flipped the complete calculation by considering how they can do good first and make profits, second.

There are already a high number of significant good community causes across our small island states. For businesses, there is a great opportunity to consider what good you can do in the community as well as making significant profits to keep the owner, their employees and their customers happy for many years ahead.

How can you develop your organisation to act as a “doing good” company in your community? •

Where a business interacts, through social media, the press and other media, it can build an excellent reputation like Virgin, Sir Richard Branson’s company. Customers consider less about the profits that the company makes and more about purchasing high quality products at good prices, knowing that the company is going to give back in many different ways across communities around the world.

Some utility companies only source their power from environmentally clean sources. This attracts individuals who are able to purchase their utilities from green sources while the company continues to make reasonable profits.

There are a number of organisations who choose to promote their business by offering to place their marketing through community outreach and the activities of philanthropic behaviour.

Only by achieving good sales do they then

Samuel Rosenberg is the founder and CEO of Axcel Finance Ltd., the leading regional microfinance institution. Share your thoughts and email your questions to srosenberg@axcelfinance.com

MONEY MATTERS

THE CORRESPONDENT BANKING RELATIONSHIPS

Imagine that you have a family member afflicted with a life threatening illness, and he needs to travel to the United States for surgery, as Antigua & Barbuda does not have the facilities to treat that illness locally.

You need to send funds to the US to cover the cost of surgery and other expenses to be incurred while that relative is overseas. But, you are unable to do so because none of the banks operating in Antigua & Barbuda can arrange for a wire transfer or sell you a foreign currency draft, as they do not have corresponding banking relationships with banks in the US. It means your ailing family member would have to remain in Antigua and await the inevitable outcome.

That is a frightening thought, but at the same time, it represents a possible outcome if the current trend continues, where banks in the developed countries withdraw correspondent banking relationships from local banks in the Caribbean region.

This is not intended to scare you, but rather the expectation is that it would arouse the interest of ordinary citizens throughout the Caribbean, and mobilise them to put pressure on the political directorate to do all in their power to avoid such a calamity.

Debate has been raging for weeks on the issue of Correspondent Banking Relationships, and this matter received the attention (and deservedly so) of the Heads of Government of CARICOM during the recently convened Heads of Government conference in Guyana.

This is not a “sexy” subject, and so it has been left primarily to bankers and academics to discuss the ramifications of the withdrawal of correspondent banking relationships from banks operating within the region.

However, this should be of interest to everyone to understand the fundamentals of Correspondent Banking Relationships; how it affects each and every one of us; and the potential negative implications if our banks are unable to maintain such relationships.

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The following definition was lifted from Investopedia, and is reproduced because it succinctly explains what is involved in correspondent banking relationships. It states “Generally speaking, the reasons domestic banks employ correspondent banks include limited access to foreign financial markets and the inability to service client accounts without opening branches abroad. Correspondent banks can act as intermediaries between banks in different countries or as an agent to process local transactions for clients when they are traveling abroad.”

There are a number of things that we, in the public, take for granted, that can be affected negatively, if the current trend of de-risking continues. ‘Derisking’ refers to financial institutions closing the accounts of clients perceived as high risk for money laundering or terrorist financing abuse, namely money service businesses, non-profit organisations, correspondent banks and foreign embassies. For example, many households in Antigua & Barbuda have members who are students in the USA, Canada or the UK, and the family in Antigua/Barbuda is required to send money to cover the cost of tuition and upkeep of the member resident overseas.

We go into our bank in St John’s, and arrange for a wire transfer to be made, to be deposited into the account of the family member residing overseas. For that transaction to be processed, the local bank must have a relationship (bank account) with a bank overseas, and the transaction is routed through that bank (correspondent bank) to effect the payment.

This is critical because the local bank does not have branches overseas, so when they wish to make a wire transfer on behalf of a customer, they must use their correspondent bank, in that foreign jurisdiction, to process the payment on their behalf. While reference was made to a wire transfer, the same would apply to the purchase of a foreign currency bank draft, or even to settle foreign transactions conducted by debit and credit cards.

We take it for granted that, once we arrange for a wire transfer, the transaction will be completed seamlessly within one business day. That is because most international wire transfers are executed through the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) network.

Knowing there is not a working relationship with the destination bank, the originating bank, or instance Antigua Commercial Bank (ACB), can search the SWIFT network for a correspondent bank that has arrangements with the bank to which the funds are being transferred. If the local bank does not have access to a correspondent bank then it cannot make that wire transfer on behalf of the customer.

The implications are more serious for businesses, and I would suggest, could impact the very survival of indigenous banks throughout the Caribbean, as well as the way of life of our people.

In Antigua & Barbuda, we import a wide range of goods and services from around the globe, and payment must be made to the suppliers at some point in time. For example, when our motor vehicle dealers place orders for the import of vehicles, they are required to establish Letters of Credit, which represents a guarantee of payment for the supplier, once they manufacture and ship the vehicles.

If our banks cannot maintain correspondent banking relationships with banks in other countries, they will not be able to establish such letters of credit, or make payment to the foreign suppliers, on behalf of their customers. And if the suppliers cannot be paid, they will not ship goods to Antigua & Barbuda.

In such a scenario, our population would not have access to food, medicine, clothing, vehicles, cell phone services, Internet, educational supplies and other necessities.

What is the root cause of this crisis? It stems from the fact that correspondent banking relationships are vulnerable to money laundering and terrorist financing because they involve a bank carrying out transactions on behalf of another bank’s customers where information on those customers is very limited.

And on a regular basis, the authorities in the developed countries introduce new guidelines and procedures to guard against this risk. To ensure compliance, and to guard against substantial fines/ penalties being levied against them, the correspondent banks incur ever increasing costs, to monitor activities of the banks to whom they provide this service.

It has reached the point where the banks in the developed countries have become disinterested in providing correspondent banking relationships to small banks such as the indigenous banks in the Caribbean, because the revenues generated from these relationships cannot compensate for the time and financial resources required to ensure compliance.

The concern therefore is how this ever escalating de-risking will impact our indigenous banks. If a solution is not found, and soon, we could witness a situation where our indigenous banks are downgraded to credit unions or community banks that do not offer services related to international trade (letters of credit, wire transfers, foreign exchange trading, issuance of international bank drafts and credit cards etc.). It means that the progress made over the past 60 years, in developing local financial institutions, would all be for naught! That would be a sad day for us in the Caribbean, as it will usher in an era of neo-colonialism. •

In the USA there is a body called the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC), which is an inter-governmental agency that sets guidelines for financial institutions to follow, in order to deter and detect money-laundering and the financing of terrorism.

While money laundering may be prevalent in some international jurisdictions that is not the case in the Caribbean. The reality is that each year, the number and value of money laundering transactions in the state of Florida exceeds the combined activities in the entire English speaking Caribbean.

The same applies to other states such as Texas, New Mexico and California.

This is not to suggest that we should turn a blind eye to money laundering or the financing of terrorist activities. Our laws and regulatory environment tend to be more demanding that those in most developed countries. Nevertheless, we are “lumped-in” with those jurisdictions that operate in a more relaxed environment. This is unfair to us, and constitutes a restraint on trade, in an era where free trade is being emphasized.

The local branches of international banks are not likely to face the same challenges, as they are part of a larger network that in many instances, provide correspondent banking relationships for other banks around the world.

Everett Christian was a Banker for 41 years and worked in Antigua, Guyana, Barbados and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, where he held management positions. He was the Project Manager of Revenue Administration Reform, within the Ministry of Finance, the Economy and Public Administration in Antigua & Barbuda for five years. He currently serves as a Management and Financial Consultant and Motivational Speaker, providing a range of consultancy services to include the preparation of business plans and organisation restructuring. Share your thoughts with via Everett.S.Christian@gmail.com or telephone (268) 464-8342.

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MONEY MATTERS

RBC ANTIGUA ANNOUNCES NEW BANK FEES

ECCB EXPRESSES CONCERN The single existing branch of Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) in Antigua & Barbuda and its other branches across the Eastern Caribbean have increased bank fees and charges, much to the chagrin of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) and customers.

News broke in May that the bank’s account holders would have to pay a monthly service fee of EC $25 on savings accounts.

Although the Central Bank expressed concern, it issued a statement indicating that it does not have the power to regulate commercial banks’ fees and charges.

“As a consequence, individual banks determine their fees and charges,” the ECCB said in the statement, noting that Article 34 of the ECCB Agreement permits the ECCB to regulate the minimum interest rate paid on savings deposits.

The statement came as account holders at RBC/RBTT Bank in Antigua & Barbuda threatened to withdraw all their monies from the financial institution. While, over in St Vincent where there’s also a hike in fees, scores turned out to withdraw their money and close their accounts.

In both Antigua & Barbuda and SVG, senior citizens will pay EC $12.50 a month and persons under the age of 17 will not be charged.

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In its statement, the ECCB said commercial banks operating within the ECCU are encouraged to explain to their customers and the public, their rationale for the increases in fees and charges.

“The ECCB encourages customers to remain calm, carefully consider their banking options and determine what services best meet their needs at this time,” the ECCB said.

Many RBC/RBTT customers in Antigua & Barbuda do not support the increase announced in a notice in the bank that “holders of Personal Savings and Personal Banking accounts at will be required to pay a monthly fee of $25 on each account effective June 2016.”

The new requirement means that customers remaining with the financial institution for personal banking would pay the bank $300 for the year and $1,500 over five years.

While, owners of RBTT Bank, RBC Royal Bank in St Vincent said in a statement that they are “aware of concerns expressed by some of its clients regarding the recent announcement of changes to its suite of Personal Banking accounts.

“We continue to communicate with our clients regarding these changes, to address their questions and assure them of our continued commitment to serving them, and to thank them for their business with us.” •

MONEY MATTERS

GOV ’ T TO BUY MAJORITY SHARES IN LOCAL COMMERCIAL BANK The government has announced it intends to enter into an agreement with the relatively small commercial financial institution Caribbean Union Bank (CUB) which will see the country purchasing significant shares in the entity.

The aim is to invest $30 billion in CUB, taking majority shares.

The administration said it believes that the strategy is likely to be effective in bringing greater competition to banking in Antigua & Barbuda, because although banks are very liquid, they have nevertheless adopted a conservative lending policy.

The government said the strategy will result in strengthening the CUB by significantly enlarging its capital base.

The move is one that the government also hopes would reverse the country’s falling ranking in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business report in the access to credit section.

In a statement to Business Focus, the government said, “The public investment in a bank, in Antigua, will cause other banks to become less conservative in their lending policies and, therefore, better for economic growth.”

In June, when Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Gaston Browne announced plans for the pending investment, he launched a scathing attack on the nation’s bankers, cautioning them to expect competition once the deal Is struck.

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Browne said the banks that operate locally have become too “risk averse” and he also lamented what he said are “extortionate fees”.

The prime minister, a former banker, said the recent fees introduced on savings accounts at the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) exposed a fundamental problem in the banking sector.

“This idea that they can sit back and just charge extortionate fees in order to survive, that is not going to happen, because certainly we are going to provide the people of Antigua & Barbuda with an alternative that is CUB,” Browne declared.

The prime minister said an “ultra conservative” approach to lending has seen credit decline 17 per cent in the past five years, and with the economy returning to growth, banks have no excuse not to lend more.

“Some of the managers here, even those of the multilateral banks, if they continue their conservative policy they are going to lose their work because they are going to miss their targets and many of these banks will fail,” Browne predicted.

In recent weeks the RBC increased personal and business banking fees, resulting in a major pull out by customers who complained the fees were exorbitant. •

MONEY MATTERS

CARIBBEAN BANKS MUST ADAPT TO SURVIVE DE-RISKING,

“One correspondent bank we know got rid of all its relationships that contributed less than $50,000 per year in revenue,” said Pierre de Saint Phalle, a managing director in Promontory Financial Group’s New York Office.

“Correspondent banking is no longer being seen as a viable loss leading activity,” added Sheryl Kennedy, who heads Promontory’s Toronto office.

S AY S INDUST RY CONSU LTA N T

Promontory’s de Saint Phalle said that, while correspondent banks generally are revisiting their respondent relationships due to the increased focus globally by regulators on issues like Anti-money laundering, anti-terrorist financing, sanctions and tax evasion, the clearing banks also need to have a greater understanding of the regulatory environment that the respondent banks operate in.

The banking sector in the Caribbean has been advised it would have to accept new ways of working, including sharing costs and services, in order to survive in the current climate of de-risking

“Every correspondent bank has access to an AML/CFT risk register of every country prepared by the US State Department that they use to help measure the strengths of the AML/CFT supervisory processes in these countries as well as to confirm their own perceptions of the risks,” he said.

The suggestion comes from US industry consultants who recently visited the jurisdiction.

“There has been a paradigm shift in international banking and payments,” said Kobi Dorenbush, former chief executive of Caledonian Bank in the Cayman Islands.

“This is not just a trend. It is the new normal.

We won’t solve these new challenges by continuing with the same processes that we developed decades ago.”

In June this year, the consultants from the Promontory Financial Group took part in a seminar, organised by Dorenbush and hosted by law firm Harney’s, aimed at better preparing Cayman banks for the implications of de-risking by US financial institutions and to see what measures can be taken to avoid being potentially shut off from the international financial system, with small banks in the Caribbean seen as particularly vulnerable.

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A recent report by the World Bank and Bank for International Settlements said that banks in the Caribbean ranked highly in terms of being at risk of losing their correspondent banking relationships.

The report, Withdrawal from Correspondent Banking: Where, Why and What to Do About It (November 2015), found that roughly half the banking authorities surveyed and slightly more local/regional banks said they were experiencing a decline in correspondent banking relationships.

For large international banks the figures were significantly higher at 75 per cent, the report said, with the Caribbean cited as the region most severely affected.

US perceptions of banks in the Caribbean have also been heavily influenced by comments from both Congress and the State Department, which have only served to compound the negative view of banks in Cayman, among their correspondents. •

MUST READS Volume 16

By: Lyndell Halliday BSc., MBA, CPA,CMA

BE A RENEGADE “

Here’s to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes... the ones who see things differently -- they’re not fond of rules... You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can’t do is ignore them because they change things... they push the human race forward, and while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do.

Adam Grant starts off by examining the factors that inspire creativity and why some people are more creative than others. Grant cites current research to debunk several myths about what it takes to be creative. According to Grant, creativity is not some mysterious innate trait - anyone can be creative, it is a choice. He notes that the most creative persons are “rarely paragons of conviction and commitment.” Instead, they are like everyone else; they battle insecurities and doubt and even shun risk. Two of the most interesting examples of Grant’s myth busting are on the subjects of procrastination and the first mover advantage in business.

Clearly simply being original is not enough to guarantee success. People and organisations are often resistant to change and hesitant to embrace new ideas. Grant recognizes this challenge and addresses the issue on why some original thinkers and ideas are accepted by their organisation and society and why many others face rejection. He discusses issues such as timing, building alliances, cooping enemies and overcoming group-think among others.

”

Apple 1997 Television Ad

The above quote is taken from the narration of an Apple 1997 famous television ad which launched the iconic company’s “Think Different” marketing campaign. This ad pioneered a successful repositioning of Apple as the choice of the maverick and creative – the ones who truly dared to be different.

This issue’s MustReads, explores the topic of innovation through the eyes of Adam Grant, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania.

Original: How Non-conformists Move the World by Adam Grant (Viking, 2016) Adam Grant is a professor of organisational psychology at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he has been rated as Wharton’s top professor for the last five years. His previous book, “Give and Take” published in 2013 became a New York Times and Wall Street Journal best seller. In the newly published Original: How Non-conformists Move the World, Grant systematically analyses the issue of originality, offering many counterintuitive and unexpected insights. In this detailed study, Grant investigates how to be more creative and how to channel that creativeness for maximum impact.

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was not first to market in any of its major product categories. In fact, many of the leading technology companies were not first-movers either: Google, Amazon, Netflix, Nintendo were all copycats in their industries.

Yet, these companies are all heralded as innovators. According to Grant, “Being original doesn’t require being first. It just means being different and better.” Grant argues that being the first to market can actually be a disadvantage. The most successful businesses are the ones that wait and improve on what the first movers have done. Data suggests that so-called copycats or settlers, as Grant calls them, in fact have a much higher success rate in business than first-movers or pioneers.

On the subject of procrastination, Grant discusses Martin Luther’s King “I have a Dream” speech, which Dr Martin Luther King only completed writing the night before the scheduled event and even then totally veered off script, ad-lipping the famous “I have a dream” lines. Grant notes this is just one example of innumerable that demonstrates that procrastination can be a boon to creativity.

Psychology experiments have shown that some degree of procrastination allows the mind to subconsciously work on idea generation thereby providing time to generate a wider range of novel ideas and leaving the procrastinator open to a greater degree of improvisation. Grant recommends strategic procrastination in order to enhance creativity, and he defines strategic procrastination as “making gradual progress by testing and refining different possibilities.” He cautions, however, that strategic procrastination does not mean skipping planning entirely.

Much has been written in business about the so called first-mover advantage. Yet, it is probably well-known that one of the most innovative companies of all time, Apple Inc.

Overall Adam Grant has written a thoughtprovoking book on a neglected and poorly understood topic. Backed up by research from the fields of sociology, psychology and economics this book is full of practical suggestions that the reader can implement immediately in order to be more innovative and impactful. •

Lyndell Halliday is an avid reader, lifelong learner and business executive who has served in a range of leadership roles across the Caribbean. He is currently employed as the General Manager of Automotive Art (St Lucia) Ltd. Mr Halliday also lectures Leadership & Operations Management for the Australia Institute of Business MBA programme at the National Research and Development Foundation.

IN THE KNOW

FAMILY DOGS AND INFANTS

By Brian Ramsey

" G E RM AN SHE PH E R D

DOGS HAVE B EE N DESCR I B ED AS COURAG EO U S,

KEEN, ALE RT AN D FEA R LE SS.

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"

Recently there was a newspaper article that told of a 5 month old baby being killed by the family dog in central Trinidad. To some persons this would appear to be a highly unusual incident and many would blame the dog saying that it has become vicious or “turned” on its owners. While this is killing of a human by a dog is not an every month occurrence it is also not unusual or unheard of.

The first epidemiological study of dogbite fatalities in the United States was conducted by an epidemiologist with the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 1977. The study reported that all but one of the cases involved male dogs. The breeds reported in these incidents were St. Bernard, German Shepherd, Dachshund, Basenji, Collie, Husky, and Great Dane. Most incidents involved victims who were smaller or weaker than the dog. Thus, children under 5 years old accounted for the majority of victims.

A study conducted at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School identified fatal dog bites during the period 1966–1980. They identified 74 incidents from newspapers and the medical literature. They found that the most (23) fatalities occurred in infants under 1 year old, and in most cases the dog was owned by the victim’s family.

The group, Wilderness & Environmental Medicine conducted a study that covered the period 1979–2005. This 27-year study collected data from the CDC WideRanging OnLine Data for Epidemiologic Research (CDC WONDER) programme.

It looked at cases in which the cause of death according to International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes was dog bites. During those 27 years, the study found 504 deaths due to dog bites.

The majority of victims (55.6%) were less than 10 years old.

Each of these studies shows that the killing of children by a dog and indeed one that is a family dog is not an unheard of occurrence.

If we examine what has been reported about the incident it provides some clues about why it may have occurred and ultimately what individuals should know about having dogs for protection especially with young children.

The newspaper articles have said that the dog was a cross breed of a Rottweiler and a German Shepherd. They also state that the family had the dog for about one year and the baby was approximately 5 months old. Thus it is clear that the baby came into the family after they had already had the dog. In seeking to understand further about why this incident may have occurred we also need to look at the traits of the two breeds that were cross bred to produce this dog.

The American Kennel Club describes the Rottweiler as calm, confident and courageous dogs with a self-assured aloofness that does not lend itself to immediate and indiscriminate friendships. A Rottweiler is self-confident and responds quietly and with a waitand-see attitude to influences in its environment. It has an inherent desire to protect home and family, and is an intelligent dog of extreme hardness and adaptability with a strong willingness to work, making them especially suited as a companion, guardian and general allpurpose dog.

Another description says Rottweilers love their owners and may behave in a clownish manner toward family and friends, but they are also protective of their territory and do not welcome strangers until properly introduced.

German Shepherd dogs have been described as courageous, keen, alert and fearless. They are cheerful, obedient and eager to learn, while also tranquil, confident, serious and clever. German Shepherds love to be close to their families, but can be wary

of strangers. This breed needs his people and should not be left isolated for long periods of time.

We thus have two breeds that love to be around the family, but are aloof to and wary of strangers, while at the same time protective of their territory. Having owned both breeds the writer can attest to the accuracy of these descriptions.

The dog in this incident was cross bred between the two breeds and so it is likely that wariness of strangers was genetically heightened in this dog.

If we now take all the previous information and approach this situation not from human thinking but from the mind of a dog we will see that some dogs, especially these two breeds, willingly accept a new addition to the family and may even become protective of this new addition possibly viewing the child as a new puppy. Other dogs of these two breeds however can view this newborn infant as a threat to their position in the family hierarchy. They become jealous and resent the intrusion of this child which is now vying for the attention of the masters. These are dogs that love to be around people and to receive attention from their owners and now they find themselves in the situation where they are receiving less attention and this stranger, which their genetic traits make them wary of, is receiving some of the attention that they formerly received. As a result a dog with this type of breeding reacts negatively and that can be by either seeking to dominate this new addition by biting and making the infant understand that “you are subordinate to me” or in severe cases biting to kill with the intention of getting rid of this intruder and so regain their position in the hierarchy.

How therefore should dog owners deal with the situation where they are expecting a baby and have a dog that has been “like their baby”. Some persons

take the approach of giving the dog additional attention in the weeks leading up to the baby’s arrival because they know that once the baby comes they will have less time to spend with the dog.

This approach however can be a fatal mistake because now the dog begins to expect even more attention. Instead experts advise the opposite and say to reduce the attention given to the dog prior to the baby’s arrival so that when the baby comes to the home the dog does not perceive the baby as the cause of the reduced attention. Even with that approach however dog owners should exercise care in the interaction between the dog and their infant and always be present and paying attention until many months after when you are sure that the dog has bonded with the child. •

Brian Ramsey has a B.A. in Accounting & Management, along with an M.B.A. in Finance and over 29 years in the Caribbean security field. He is the Regional Development Director for Amalgamated Security Services Limited which operates in Grenada, Barbados, St Lucia, Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago and is the parent company of Alternative Security Services (St. Lucia) Limited. He can be contacted at bramsey@assl.com.

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IN THE KNOW

ANTIGUAN & BARBUDAN COUNSELLOR COPS PRESTIGIOUS REGIONAL AWA R D

Aurica Williams

Aurica Williams — a local counsellor — was awarded a prestigious Scholastic Achievement Award from the Clinical Network Conference during the Caribbean Nazarene College Graduation Ceremony in Trinidad just over a month ago.

Williams was nominated and was selected as the 2016 recipient.

Over the past four years, The Clinical Network Conference has been conducted under the Master of Arts program at the Caribbean Nazarene College, Trinidad.

This is a conference where clinicians and professionals across the Caribbean have the opportunity to further develop their skills, enrich knowledge and create further networking in this field.

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In 2014, The Clinical Network Conference Team began to recognize the alumnus of the Caribbean Nazarene College who has successfully provided high quality counselling services such as developing and implementing innovative counselling programs for the community and for the investments they continue to make in the lives of others.

Williams is a past student of the Antigua Girls’ High School and the Antigua State College. She has a first degree in Education (major Human Resource Management) and a Master of Arts in Counselling.

Additionally, she is a trained PROCCER OEA/OAS Substance Misuse Treatment Counsellor. She works as a guidance counsellor at the Ministry of Education, Antigua. She is also the founder, director and senior counsellor of an established registered counselling business — Imagistic Counselling in Antigua.

Imagistic Counselling (IC) was established in July 2011. This professional counselling business was developed after it was observed that there was an urgent need in Antigua and Barbuda to help the citizenry to access professional counselling services without the hassle.

During the past five years, the team has conducted monthly life skill and leadership workshops for the public. In addition, the IC team uses creative, clientcentred and integrated bio-psychosocial counselling models to successfully help many clients.

IC specialises in the following areas: anxiety, trauma, stress, grief and loss, marital/relationship issues, career assessment, guidance, abuse, youth counselling, family therapy, life skill coaching and consultation. •

EXXON-MOBIL-HESS CONFIRM THAT OIL DISCOVERY OFF GUYANA'S COAST IS LARGEST IN TWO YEARS An offshore oil find near Guyana by Exxon Mobil could yield double the anticipated production, according to a statement from the company cited

by Reuters on June 30.

The Texas-based producer believes the Liza field located 120 miles off the Guyanese coast could hold between 800 million to 1.4 billion barrels of crude oil. Labeled by the firm as a “world-class discovery”, Liza could be with a worth some US$70 billion based on current prices.

Exxon saw signs the field was massive as early as May 2015, after logging data and rock chips from the initial exploratory well showed indications of a large presence of crude, the company said in an entry on its Energy Factor blog. Since Liza is a deep-water site, production may not be realised for another decade or so, though Exxon is very proud of the discovery.

“This exploration success demonstrates the strength of our long-term investment approach, as well as our technology leadership in ultra, deepwater environments,” Steve Greenlee, president of ExxonMobil Exploration Co, said in the statement.

As oilprice.com mentioned on June 26, Exxon’s finds off the Guyanese coast including the Liza site could pay big dividends for the company hampered by increased exploration failures and less funds for seeking new energy locations.

In addition, the recent finds could be a boon for a Guyana, a state that doesn’t currently produce any oil and gas but whose economy would benefit from a new revenue source.

One of Exxon’s partners on Liza field, Hess, could see their current proved reserves jump by as much as 39 percent and their stake in Liza could yield a high of 420 million barrels of oil.

Hess is “very encouraged by the drilling results to date of the Liza prospect, which we believe has the potential to materially contribute to our resource base and future production growth,” Chief Executive Officer John Hess said in the statement. (Erwin Cifuentes for Oilprice.com) •

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ECONOMY & TRADE FOCUS

ANTIGUA & BARBUDA COPS PO RT O F THE YEAR AWA R D 2016!

The Antigua & Barbuda Port Authority (ABPA) won the Port of the Year 2016 award, over 23 other competitors judged by the Port Managers Association of the Caribbean (PMAC).

year performance was a more accurate measurement. This would also ensure that smaller ports had a chance.

The announcement was made at the closing ceremony of PMAC’s annual general meeting in Nevis on Friday, June 24 where Chairman of the ABPA Board Senator Mary-Claire Hurst accepted the award on behalf of the twin-island.

• Financial year 2015 demonstrated a 33 per cent growth in revenue over 2014; 2014 (23,200,514) 2015 ($30,888,802)

" T H E L O C A L P O RT

According to Hurst, this year, after witnessing significant improvements in various aspect of its operations, the Antigua & Barbuda Port Authority won the most improved Port within the region and the title of Port of the Year.

AU T H O R I T Y WA S SUPERIOR... AND W O N T H E P M AC N OVA P O RT C U P 2016.

"

Hurst told Business Focus that “each of the 24-member Caribbean ports were asked to submit their 2015 year-end results and the main categories reviewed were operational productivity/efficiency, financial performance and innovation.”

She disclosed that the local Port Authority was superior in all three categories, and won the PMAC Nova Port Cup 2016.

The criteria used to determine the winning Port were as follows: • Volume of cargo and cruise visitors • Revenue • Operational efficiencies • Innovation and productivity Unlike the prior years when ports competed against each other for the categories above, it was determined that an assessment of each port’s year-to-

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The port official said the factors which contributed to Antigua’s success were:

• The financial results erased a $5 million deficit.

• TEU numbers for 2015 were 14,449 or 446 higher than the prior year • The Port’s Revenue per TEU was $2,198.64 vs $1,606.35 up $592.29 over the prior year • The Port’s Expense per TEU remained constant.

• Cruise passenger visits increased • Cruise calls increased TEU is the unit of measure used to measure Cargo within a container port.

T – twenty foot : E – equivalent : U – unit The Nova Port Cup was initiated in 1986 and the first winner was Antigua & Barbuda in 1987.

Hurst said, “This most prestigious award has eluded us for the last 30 years. During that period of time only OECS ports were allowed to compete. (Now) this award is contested for by a much larger pool of Caribbean ports including the Turks and Caicos Islands, Kingston Wharf and Suriname in the South.” •

OECS AND PMAC SIGN MOU

TO STRENGTHEN P O R T O P E R AT I O N S IN THE CARIBBEAN The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission and the Port Management Association of the Caribbean (PMAC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the PMAC’s 19th Annual General Meeting held recently.

The move is a joint effort to strategically address matters pertaining to the efficiency of port management and operations in the Caribbean.

The OECS Commission, through its recently established OECS Port Management Committee, said it has been working closely with PMAC “to develop an OECS strategy and action plan which will help to improve port infrastructural capabilities, safety and security, transportation logistics, skills and competencies of port personnel, and trade facilitation within the OECS Economic Union.”

The Chairman of the OECS Port Management Committee and the PMAC said, “a collaborative approach towards achieving shared goals and objectives should lead to greater results with lesser efforts and fewer scarce resources being expended.”

OECS Director General Dr Didacus Jules declared the OECS Commission’s unwavering support towards facilitating meaningful engagements between the OECS Port Management Committee and the PMAC in order to address port management and operational issues associated with goods and people moving in and out of the region: “The time is right for both parties to solidify their relationship in an efficient, predictable and transparent manner,” he said.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by Vance Amory, Premier of Nevis, and Dr Fritz Pinnock, the Executive Director of the Caribbean Maritime Institute (CMI) who has been working closely with the OECS and the PMAC to develop this functional cooperation arrangement.

The OECS Port Management Committee and the PMAC have already initiated this joint cooperation in areas geared toward enhancing the capacity and competitiveness of Caribbean Ports to the benefit of governments, traders and consumers within the OECS Economic Union and wider Caribbean. •

Additionally, both parties have pledged their commitment to establishing a feasible and sustainable mechanism for institutional strengthening, infrastructural development and port productivity.

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ECONOMY & TRADE FOCUS

ANTIGUA & BARBUDA REPEALS PERSONAL I N C O M E TA X , APPROVES N E W TA X L AW The Personal Income Tax Act 2005 under which residents who earned upwards of $3,501 paid a percentage of their earnings to government, has been repealed in Antigua & Barbuda with effect from July 1, 2016.

However, it is not an outright tax break as the Act has been replaced with the Unincorporated Business Tax 2016, which the government said is intended to tighten fiscal policy initiatives.

The new tax is imposed on all unincorporated businesses operating in twin island or offering services outside of Antigua & Barbuda but which is based in this jurisdiction.

Clause 5 of the new Act exempts from the tax such things as income or earnings on interest awarded on savings, capital gains and dividend payments, foreign sourced income and more particularly, employment income which was the target of the highly criticised PIT which was introduced under the former administration in its first year in office.

According to Clause 8 of the new Act, “Any business currently registered under the Personal Income Tax will continue to pay tax under this Act. Whereas the Personal Income Tax Act taxed personal disposable income, this Act will apply only to business income, but most importantly, the personal allowance that applied under the personal income tax is incorporated into this Act by way of a zero per cent (0 %) tax rate on the first $42,000 of the annual profits in the business.

The laws also noted that Each Sole Trader and each partner in a business is allowed to make a one-time claim each year of $42,000 tax free.

The Act introduces for the first time in Antigua & Barbuda the requirement to remit taxes on a quarterly rather than a monthly basis so that the burden of monthly filing is taken away.

Taxpayers will now file quarterly returns due on the latest the 15th of the month following the latest quarter.

For example, the quarterly return for the first quarter following the introduction of the Act being September 30, 2016 for taxable period July 1, 2016 to September 30, 2016, will be due within the first 15 days of October, 2016.

In the days leading up to the repeal of PIT the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) assured that all systems were in place to facilitate a smooth transition from PIT to UBT. One corporate structural change that was necessary was the setting up of a UBT Unit. The staff had to undergo training and government indicated additional staff will be hired to work at the IRD. •

Quality Paints

Paint • Fans • Building Materials • Power Tools Bathroom Fixtures • Lumber • Plywood • Steel Hardware • Lawn & Garden • Electrical • Lighting Bulbs • Closets • Painting Supplies • Hand Tools Lawnmower Email: kennedys@candw.ag • P.O. Box 1336, BRIGGINS ROAD, ST.JOHN’S Kennedy’s Hardware Express, Newgate St, St.John’s • Tel: 481 1348

ANTIGUA EARNS SIGNIFICANT REVENUE FROM NEW ENERGY PLANT

The UK-based clean energy provider, PV Energy Limited, said Antigua & Barbuda earned revenue of more than US $1 million in the first six months of a new solar energy plant that feeds the national grid.

The company said the island has now set an example for the Caribbean with its three MWp sun2live airport solar energy plant, constructed in late 2015 and located at the northwest shoulder of the VC Bird International Airport.

Thomas Beindorf, Chief Technical Officer of PV Energy Limited said, “Since its commissioning in December 2015 the solar power plant has already generated 2.5 million kWh and therefore saved 2,000 tons of CO2 emissions compared to the use of heavy fuel and diesel, which is the common way of generating electricity on the island.”

“This has substantially exceeded our initial expectations. With special regard to the weather conditions, which have not been as good as expected, we are glad to have achieved this excellent result.”

The company said the solar energy plant covers almost the whole equivalent of the energy demand of the airport.

Meanwhile, Shpresa Azemi, Admin Director of PV Energy Limited in Antigua & Barbuda added, “It is a pleasure to see how clean energy solutions and technical innovations can positively influence the image of an island.”

The installation of the 3 MWp airport solar energy plant represents the first step of a 10 MWp clean energy project cluster PV Energy agreed to implement for the government of Antigua & Barbuda.

The government said in order to reduce the foreign exchange outlays for imported fossil fuel and the pollution caused by diesel, it has decided to achieve 20 per cent of the electricity required by the country by utilising renewable energy technology.

PV Energy Limited said it is already installing the remaining seven MWp on further ground-mounted farms as well as on the roofs of government-owned buildings in Antigua. •

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ECONOMY & TRADE FOCUS

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FDI INTO ANTIGUA & BARBUDA DROPS – E C L A C S T U DY Revenue from Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into Antigua & Barbuda dipped by 0.5 per cent in the year 2015, according to the assessment by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC).

In its 2015 report on a review of FDI into Latin America and the Caribbean, ECLAC said the country revenue dropped by US $1 million last year down to $154 million.

ECLAC attributed the decline to the fact that a number of planned investment projects are yet to start or got off to a late start, and that includes the Yida International Investment Antigua project, government’s biggest announced agreement to date.

The report noted that the stalled projects are due “criticism from various segments of society either because of their environmental impact or because of the costly tax incentives granted to them by the government”.

Yida promised to spend US $2 billion over a 10-year period, develop the largest free trade zone in the country, off-shore financial centre, 5-star luxury resort, internationally branded villa communities, a casino and BusinessFocus

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But there have been many questions about the investors’ ability to raise the funds to fulfil the promise, and further, many residents have questioned the long list of concessions to be granted, along with some of the power to be vested in the developer in terms of control of the mangrove bordered land and sea.

Meanwhile, foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows in Latin America and the Caribbean declined 9.1 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, totalling US$179.10 billion dollars, the lowest level since 2010.

ECLAC said the situation is due to lower investment in sectors linked to natural resources, mainly mining and hydrocarbons, and to the deceleration of economic growth.

And, it predicts that FDI would remain below the levels reached in recent years, in line with countries’ economic prospects.

It warned that the level could decline as much as eight per cent, although it will continue to be an important factor in the region’s economies, so it is necessary to attract quality flows.

“With proactive and integrated policies, countries can take advantage of these flows to diversify their economies, boost innovation and the incorporation of technology, and respond to the challenges of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,” said Alicia Bárcena, ECLAC’s Executive Secretary.

The report noted that the decline seen in 2015 in Latin America and the Caribbean contrasts with the dynamism observed at a global level. •

ECLAC WANTS CONTINUED DEVELOPMENT A S S I S TA N C E T O MIDDLE-INCOME COUNTRIES LIKE ANTIGUA & BARBUDA

Antigua & Barbuda is among several Caribbean nations which the Paris-based Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development’s (OECD) Development Assistance Committee will graduate in 2017—meaning that the country will no longer receive Official Development Assistance (ODA).

to access external capital markets and other sources of financing to promote development.

Other countries expected to be affected include Chile and Uruguay based on similar development levels to Antigua & Barbuda.

Bárcena said that is the case with the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) of the Caribbean, as she stressed that they need additional support to confront the damage caused by extreme natural phenomena, “one of the causes of their high indebtedness.”

In wake of this, the Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), Alicia Bárcena, is making a case that middle-income countries in the region should continue receiving ODA to be able to make progress on closing the gaps that persist in diverse areas.

In addressing the Latin America and Caribbean Dialogue on Development Cooperation in June, Bárcena said development levels should be evaluated using a comprehensive approach and not solely on the basis of per capita income.

In her presentation on the role of cooperation in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in Latin America and the Caribbean, Bárcena said that 28 of the region’s 33 countries are considered to be middle income according to their per capita income levels.

She, however, said, “notable disparities remain with regard to other development variables, both among nations and within each of them.”

Alicia Bárcena - ECLAC Executive Secretary

“It is not possible to equate a country’s income level with its development level, which implies evaluating other gaps,” said Bárcena, alluding to differences in terms of poverty and inequality, investment and savings, infrastructure, productivity and innovation, education, health and social security, financing and taxation, gender equality and environmental sustainability, among others.

Bárcena lamented that there is not a single classification or uniform criteria for evaluating development needs, and added that the per capita income level of a country does not reflect its capacity to save, to mobilise domestic resources, and

She said the size of the economies, their structural characteristics and the external scenario that they face are some of the factors that have an impact on all of those elements.

In this regard, ECLAC has proposed that part of the Caribbean’s debt be relieved “to create a resilience fund that enables them to finance actions for mitigating and adapting to climate change.”

Bárcena said that, as ODA flows have decreased, the region has begun depending on private flows to a greater extent.

In fact, she said foreign direct investment (FDI) and remittances constitute the bulk of external financing (52 per cent and 26 per cent of the total, respectively).

At the same time, Bárcena said the illicit financial flows estimated to have left the region between 2003 and 2012 grew to US $320 billion a year, which was double the level of remittances and 16 times bigger than ODA. In this case, Bárcena said it is vital for the private sector to get involved to attract private investment towards the development needs laid out in the 2030 Agenda, while also tapping into innovative sources of financing and new modalities for collaboration, such as South-South Cooperation, “to protect the interests of middle-income countries and address the harmful fiscal competition between States, among other goals.”

These and other proposals are set forth in “Horizons 2030: Equality at the Centre of Sustainable Development,” presented by ECLAC last May, in which the organisation offers a road map for the region’s implementation of the 2030 Agenda, adopted in 2015 by the United Nations’ 193 member-states. •

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ECONOMY & TRADE FOCUS

BREXIT C R E AT E S E U - B R I TA I N NIGHTMARE FOR THE CARIBBEAN

By Sir Ronald Sanders

Sir Ronald Sanders is Antigua & Barbuda’s

Ambassador to the US; he has served as Ambassador to the EU and the WTO and High Commissioner to the UK. Responses and previous commentaries: www.sirronaldsanders.com

The 12 English-speaking independent countries of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) have at the most two years to formulate a plan for dealing with the serious consequences of the British Exit (BREXIT) from the European Union (EU).

Indeed, the time may be less if the current mood of the leadership of the EU intensifies. They want Britain gone “as soon as possible”. The presidents of the European council, commission and parliament – Donald Tusk, Jean-Claude Juncker and Martin Schulz respectively – and Mark Rutte, the prime minister of the Netherlands which holds the EU’s rotating presidency, are reported as saying any delay to Britain’s exit would “unnecessarily prolong uncertainty”.

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Once Britain finally leaves, the 12 Caribbean countries will have no structured trade relationship with that country. When Britain joined what was then the European Economic Community in 1973, it transferred all authority for its trade agreements to the Community.

However, even though these Caribbean countries have been notionally trading with the EU, the majority of their exports has been going to the British market. Now that the EU will no longer be representing Britain, the EPA will not cover trade with Britain.

Ever since then, the formal trade, aid and investment relations between the 12 Caribbean countries has been with the EU. These relations were formalised successively in the Lome Convention, the Cotonou Agreement and the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).

That is an issue, however much on the back burner it will be for Britain, that will be important to the Caribbean – at least for trade in services, particularly tourism. British tourists comprise a significant number of the annual visitors to the region.

Key to the terms under which the Englishspeaking Caribbean countries entered – and continued – the relationship with the EU, was Britain, their former colonial ruler.

More worryingly, once Britain leaves the EU, there will be several troubling consequences for the 12 Caribbean countries. Not only will the British market disappear from the EU, but so too will the British contribution to official aid and investment. It is most unlikely that the 27 EU countries, which had no historical relationship with, or colonial responsibility for, the English-speaking Caribbean, will want to maintain the level of official aid and investment that now exists.

Up to the time of British entry to the EU, trade between Britain and the 12 Caribbean countries was conducted under a Commonwealth preferences scheme. That scheme fell away once Britain joined the EU and negotiated the extension of some of those preferences to the English-speaking Caribbean by the European body.

In effect, once Britain officially exits the EU, Caribbean countries will have no trade agreement with it. Indeed, Britain will have no formal trade agreements with any country, having subsumed its authority for trade matters to the EU. Its first task will be to negotiate trade terms with the remaining 27 EU members, hitherto its biggest trading partner.

Those negotiations will not be easy.

Britain will then have to try to formalise trade agreements with other countries.

The United States will be uppermost in its priorities, but President Barack Obama had warned during the debate on BREXIT, that the UK market of 64 million people would not be high on the US agenda.

The EU, with a population of 450 million (without Britain) was a far greater target.

In any event, a trade agreement with the 12 small English-speaking Caribbean countries (total market of approximately seven million) will also not be high on Britain’s list.

Importantly, it should be recognised that the EU-EPA is the only such formal comprehensive arrangement that Caribbean countries have with any other country or region of the world. It is vital to maintain as much of it as possible.

There had been some speculation in Britain during the BREXIT debate that Britain could resuscitate trade among the 52 other Commonwealth countries.

But, that idea, rooted in Empire, is not only impractical, it would not reap for Britain the trade rewards it derives from the EU. Britain’s earnings from exports to the Commonwealth, is not huge, representing only 9.76 per cent of its total exports in 2014, while its merchandise exports to the EU represented a hefty 45 per cent of its total exports.

In any event, total Commonwealth trade in goods has declined over the years.

And, even its share of world trade is owed to the trading capacity of only six of the Commonwealth states – Singapore, India, Malaysia, Australia, Britain and Canada. Moreover, that trade is not between themselves.

For instance, China is Australia’s biggest trading partner, and the US and Mexico are Canada’s. In 2014, the six countries accounted for 84 per cent of all Commonwealth exports; 47 countries combined, including South Africa and Nigeria made up only 16 per cent. Not surprisingly, the 36 Commonwealth small states, including the 12 in the Caribbean, enjoy only a tiny share of Commonwealth exports.

As for the notion that Commonwealth countries could fashion a Commonwealth Free Trade Agreement (FTA) under which they could give preferences to each other to expand intra-Commonwealth trade, while this is technically possible to make it compliant with WTO rules, it is enormously difficult from a legal, administrative and even political standpoint. Certainly, Cyprus and Malta would have to leave the EU customs union.

Other Commonwealth countries would also have to review their commitments to other countries with which they have joined in FTAs to ensure that the effect of Commonwealth preferences does not violate their existing agreements, which, in many cases, it must do to make the Commonwealth FTA beneficial to many of its participants.

Finally, the benefits of improved preferential access to all Commonwealth States within an FTA would be exploited by the major economies such as India, Malaysia and then by the developed Commonwealth countries, Britain, Australia and Canada. The Commonwealth’s 36 small states would not get much of a look-in.

Other options have to be explored by the Caribbean countries for dealing with the twin-problem of no formal trade

relationship with Britain, and an existing EPA with the EU that is now skewered and ripe with problems.

The Caribbean has known for over a year that the referendum on BREXIT was coming. The result could only have been one of two things – either Britain would stay within the EU in which case it would be business as usual, or Britain would leave. In the latter case, the scenario described above would be the reality with which the Caribbean would be faced. Plans for dealing with it should, therefore, have already been thought through.

If not, the Caribbean has at most two years, and the clock is ticking. •

ECONOMY & TRADE FOCUS

WORLD BANK FORECASTS CONTINUED CONTRACTION IN CARIBBEAN ECONOMIES Economic growth in Latin America and the Caribbean is expected to contract by 1.3 per cent in 2016 after a 0.7 per cent decline the previous years, the World Bank has announced.

It said that this will be the “first back-to-back years of recession in more than 30 years”.

According to the Washington-based financial institution, the economies of Latin American countries have benefitted from competitiveness gains due to currency depreciation and more robust consumption supported by falling unemployment and moderating inflation

“South America is anticipated to contract by 2.8 per cent this year, and have a mild recovery in 2017, followed by a strengthening of output growth to 1.7 per cent in 2018. In contrast, supported by ties to the United States and strong exports, output in the Mexico and Central America sub-region and in the Caribbean is expected to grow at around three per cent in 2017 and 2018.”

The World Bank said that despite strong tourism, growth in the Caribbean region will slow in 2016, representing a normalisation from a bumper year in 2015.

“Major tourism-associated construction is winding down, and a number of Caribbean economies are pursuing fiscal consolidation to strengthen public finances and lower heavy public debt burdens.

“While the Zika virus outbreak poses a substantial downside risk, tourism is expected to continue to expand and support growth.”

The World Bank said the economies of Latin America and the Caribbean should begin expanding again in 2017, gradually gaining momentum to around 2 per cent in 2018.

The bank said that fiscal consolidation in several Caribbean countries will weigh on growth in the medium-term.

It said Guyana will record a 1 per cent increase on its 2015 growth of 3 per cent, with Haiti dropping to 0.9 per cent this year from the 2015 figure of 1.2 per cent.

Jamaica’s economic growth is pegged at 1.5 per cent up from 0.9 per cent the previous year, while St Lucia will record a slight decline with the figures showing the island recording growth of 1.5 per cent this year as compared with 1.6 per cent last year.

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But the World Bank also warned that prospects vary across the region.

“Similarly, the Caribbean, which also enjoys close ties to the United States, is being lifted by a booming tourism sector.”

The Bank said Belize should record economic growth of 0.8 per cent this year down from 0.9 per cent last year, with Dominica moving from a minus 4 per cent last year to 2.5 per cent in 2016.

BusinessFocus

St Vincent and the Grenadines will move from 1.8 per cent last year to 2.4 per cent this year and there will be no change in economic growth for Trinidad and Tobago, with the oil rich twin island Republic registering a minus 2 per cent growth.

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The financial institution warned that should commodity prices drop further, falling fiscal and export revenues are likely to trigger additional policy tightening and weigh on growth.

“External debt across the region has been increasing, much of it denominated in foreign currency, particularly US dollars.

Further increases in debt ratios could lead to sovereign credit downgrades. “Recessions in Brazil and Venezuela have yet to bottom out and could last longer than previously expected. There is a risk that these recessions may spill over to other countries in the region,” the World Bank warned in its “Global Economic Forecast”. •

ECONOMY & TRADE FOCUS

CARICOM OFFICIAL CALLS FOR INCREASED IMPLEMENTATION OF A MAJOR FINANCING AGREEMENT WITH THE EU Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Deputy Secretary General Dr Manorma Soeknandan is reminding CARICOM Member States of their responsibility for the 10th European Development Fund (EDF) CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) Economic Integration Programme (EIP).

This is a financing agreement signed with the European Union for over 28 million Euros of which approximately 19 million Euros is for implementing the CSME. Dr Soeknandan was speaking at the opening ceremony for the Regional Technical Meeting on the implementation of the Agreement.

As of June this year, there was an implementation of 53 per cent of the resources and the meeting was called to seek ways of increasing delivery.

The agreement was signed in 2012 and ends in March 2017. Permanent Secretaries, National Authorising Officers and National CSME Focal Points have been discussing ways to overcome project delivery hurdles.

The CARICOM Deputy Secretary General noted that if funds are not used then they will be lost and the active input of Members States is crucial for success.

She stated that as the region looks

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towards an 11th Economic Development Fund (EDF), CARICOM should ensure mistakes are not repeated and called for a preparatory phase before future projects are rolled out.

Meanwhile, the deputy secretary general said that Caricom should not go through the recent EU experience whereby the United Kingdom (Britain) decided to leave that grouping.

Her comments also come in face of talks among Caricom residents, particularly, the larger member states like Jamaica, that delinking from Caricom may be best for their country.

Dr Soeknandan said, “we need all to be on board, CARICOM Members must stand in integration together and be committed together, struggle together and together achieve.”

She stressed that if “CARICOM has challenges, hurdles … together putting our shoulders under those will only make us stronger … losing one is not the answer.”

The official expressed hope that CARICOM will never have to deal with what the European Union is now undergoing and she opined that that is another reason for the regional technical meeting to solve certain issues. •

GOV’T ASSURES

TA X INCREASE WILL BE OF MINIMAL BURDEN

The government has dismissed opposition suggestion that the increases in the Revenue Recovery Charge (RRC) and the new Incorporated Business Tax will place an enormous burden on residents.

Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Gaston Browne said that with Personal Income Tax (PIT) repealed, a percentage of the population will be getting relief there, while the introduction of the new taxes will result in residents paying only $10 more in taxes monthly.

Browne says the government expects to lose about $37 million from the repeal of the PIT and recoup around $10 million of that from the Unincorporated Business Tax. And, a further $12 to $20 million will be recouped depending on whether the government decides on a 2 or 3 per cent increase in RRC, leaving up to $15 million still to be regained.

GOV’T STEPS IN TO

EASE BACKLOG OF EIAs

Ease of doing business is a critical issue particularly for investors and countries heavily dependent on foreign direct investment.

Recognising this, the government said it plans to staff the Environment Division with its own specialist to conduct Environment Impact Assessments which are necessary for all physical developments, particularly resort/ hotel projects.

Currently, only a handful of experts conduct such assessments on island, though one of them gets the bulk of the work.

Foreign Affairs Minister Charles “Max” Fernandez said this has been a problem for investors who say they’d like to get the assessments done much quicker than being done now.

Charles “Max” Fernandez - Foreign Affairs Minister

“Getting Environmental Impact Assessment (EIAs) completed and evaluated is one of the bottlenecks which the Cabinet agreed can be helped along by its intervention, in so far as adding expertise to the payroll of the Environmental Division,” the government official said.

“The truth is, the increase in terms of the tax burden, will be negligible. Now $15 million, divided by a population of 90,000 people, you’re looking at a monthly increase in the tax burden of about $10 or $11 per person. Let us be reasonable. If a taxpayer in this country has to pay $10 or $11 a month to ensure that we have a stronger and more robust economy, to have more robust economic growth and development, then I believe that is a worthwhile sacrifice,” he told Parliament.

The finance minister argued that while the main opposition United Progressive Party (UPP) is critical of the new tax policies, it should be noted that during the UPPs 10-year tenure, it increased the tax burden on the population by about 3,000 dollars per person per year compared to the now ruling Antigua Barbuda Labour Party’s increase by about $130 per person annually. •

related socio-economic, cultural and humanhealth impacts, both beneficial and adverse.

He said that by hiring the expert(s) to do the EIA, the government will be able to help cut down the time to get the EIA done, and this would result in other benefits.

“Once we get somebody with that kind of technical expertise to be involved in that part of the department, it cuts down the time, and everything will move ahead a lot quicker, and there (are) less problems for any other issues related to going forward (with the projects),” he added.

He did not indicate how many or how soon staff would be hired to do that job.

Currently, the government has a number of projects on the cards which it hopes would get started before the end of its first term in 2019.

Fernandez said those projects that are stalled are being pursued by a Project Implementation/Management Cabinet SubCommittee and one of the things the body discovered is the EIA backlog. •

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ECONOMY & TRADE FOCUS

CARICOM M E M B E R S TAT E S ADVISED TO TA K E A D VA N TA G E O F AVA I L A B L E CONCESSIONARY FUNDS

The Chairman of the CARICOM Commission on the Economy, Barbados Senator Darcy Boyce said it does CARICOM Member States no good when concessionary funds are allowed to go to waste.

Boyce, who is a minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, made the remark at a CARICOM Regional Technical Meeting on the Implementation of the 10th European Development Fund (EDF) CSME and Economic Integration Programme.

The senator said that CARICOM economies have struggled over the last 10 years and there is a tremendous amount of work to be done to overcome such hurdles.

He is advising CARICOM Member States to take advantage of the resources available under the 10th EDF to build the capacity within their economies.

The official stated that part of the solution is to ensure that the CSME works for the benefit of all economies and “… we cannot run away from the CARICOM Single Market and Economy…”

He added that it is necessary to make sure that the community pillars are so structured that Member States are able to benefit from those pillars.

Chairman of the CARICOM Commission on the Economy, Barbados Senator Darcy Boyce addressing the meeting.

Senator Boyce also indicated that a great deal of the economic resilience mentioned in the Community Strategic plan will happen through the implementation of the CSME. •

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ECONOMY & TRADE FOCUS YOUTH FOCUS

OECS LAUNCHES

The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) commission has launched a special strategy to bring attention and action to issues affecting youth in the subregion.

Called OECS-youth empowered society, or ‘OECS-yes,’ it hopes to create a movement among the youth, ensuring that young people can collaborate and use their voices to impact change.

This strategy was developed based on the need for greater attention and action to issues directly affecting OECS youth.

The goal of this initiative is to develop a youth empowered society by focusing on seven pillars crucial to young people: • YES I Belong – Citizenship and Identity; • YES I Earn – Employment and Entrepreneurship; • YES I Express – Creativity and Culture; • YES I Inherit – Environment and Sustainable Development;

FOR YOUTH

• YES I Learn – Education and Training; • YES I Matter – Child and Youth Protection and; • YES I Move – Healthy Lifestyles.

The campaign, which was rolled out in June, will have a significant digital component, which will be led by digital marketing consultant to the OECS, Anushka Singh who noted, “This is more than just marketing to young people through social media. Our goal here is to create a movement through

social media where young people can collaborate and use their voices to impact change across the region.”

A feature of this initiative will also be a digital internship programme, whereby young persons will be able to learn digital marketing skills under the leadership of Singh, while contributing to the development and execution of the online campaign.

Director General of the OECS, Dr. Didacus Jules, expressed his confidence in the innovative strategy in engaging youth from across the region for better socio-economic outcomes: “The youth demographic are increasingly playing a central role in how the social fabric and societies of the OECS will be shaped into the future.”

He added, “It is vital we empower youth to take control of their future and to harness their collective views through a range of innovative digital mediums.

The shaping of this strategy involves a crowdsourcing of ideas from the youth themselves – we are inviting the youth of the region to tell us what are their aspirations, tell us what are the things that they would like to see put in place that they can take responsibility for to shape their own destiny.”

Dr. Jules underscored the importance of the initiative as he highlighted the fact that a substantial number of youth in society are at risk not only with increasing violence, but from a health perspective as it relates to lifestyle diseases like diabetes and hypertension and further, non-natural causes of death due to accidents, murder among other things.

“Youth are the future and we have to ensure the future is safeguarded, supported, well educated, healthy, sees its own potential and has confidence in its ability to realise its aspirations,” he told the gathering at the launch in St Lucia.

Young people makes up about 40 per cent of the OECS population. •

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QUEEN’S YO U N G L E A D E R, REGIS BURTON

Regis Burton’s commitment to the professional development of young people through mentorship and social enterprise, along with his continued humanitarian work earned him a Queen’s Young Leaders award at just 24 years old.

He’s a Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nolan Hue, a nonprofit organisation that aims to create professional opportunities for people, particularly youth, so that they can have a positive environment to help them develop.

Nolan Hue assists with essential items for job interviews for the less fortunate through its Interview Programme, Public Speaking, and Presentation Skills Training for youth, athletes, musicians, and young professionals in networking events.

These ‘networking events’ are designed to help individuals meet people outside of their own circle so that they can eventually benefit from the interactions.

The events offer the youth the opportunity to mix with successful persons from different areas other than those to which they have become accustomed.

“We are bringing people together to discuss productive and pro-active things and build business relationships for the future,” Regis said.

In addition, the Nolan Hue Professional Development Scholarship is a monetary assistance programme that will help individuals in the infant stages of their career.

A Professional Development Scholarship Award was presented to two students - Frances Fearon from the Antigua Girls High School and Jamoy Morrision from the Antigua Grammar School - who will be sponsored by Nolan Hue in their first year at the Antigua State College.

The name Nolan Hue originally came about as the company was supposed to be a male fashion line. However, after seeing that there was no real networking procedures in place in Antigua and Barbuda, Regis together with four others and several volunteers decided on the Life Style concept.

“Through career development programmes and networking opportunities, Nolan Hue intends to ultimately raise the standard of what it means to be a professional in Antigua & Barbuda, the wider Caribbean and by extent, the world,” Burton explained.

Outside of his Nolan Hue and his professional career as the Human Resource System Analyst at the Antigua and Barbuda Public Utilities Authority (APUA), Burton is an avid cricketer and once played in the ICC under 19 World Cup (representing USA). He was a member of the National Youth Forum, a local committee of seven, which executed the first political debate in Antigua and Barbuda; the Antigua & Barbuda Reparation Support Commission and; Project Sync Incorporated, a local non-profit organisation where in his capacity as Chairman, he was a panelist speaker at the Congressional Black Caucus 44th Annual Legislative Conference.

The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust, in partnership with Comic Relief and The Royal Commonwealth Society, established The Queen’s Young Leaders Programme in honour of Her Majesty The Queen’s 60 years of service to the Commonwealth at the time of her Diamond Jubilee.

Each year from 2014 to 2018, 60 exceptional young people will be selected to receive a Queen’s Young Leaders Award and become ‘Queen’s Young Leaders’. •

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ENVIRONMENTAL FOCUS

PLASTI C BAG BA N IMPLEMENTED AS GOV’T LAUNCHES REUSABLE B A G I N I T I AT I V E It's good news for the environment as the Government of Antigua & Barbuda has implemented an ordinance banning the importation and use of the T-shirt plastic bags with effect from July 1, 2016.

T-shirt bags have been used to pack goods at check-out counters at many supermarkets in the twin island for decades.

Major supermarkets across the nation have embraced the programme and joined the government in giving one reusable, environmentally friendly shopping bag to each customer. Government alone has pledged to distribute 120,000 bags.

On the first weekend that the ban took effect, staff from the Ministry of Health and the Environment and National Solid Waste Management Authority were posted at major supermarkets -- such as First Choice, both Epicurean branches, Gloria’s Supermarket, Little Canton, Bargain Centre, Chase/True Value Supermarket and Billy’s Food Mart -- distributing the reusable bags to shoppers.

At each station, the ministry staff engaged the people and provided them with information on the significance of the move. Many people applauded the idea and noted that the government is moving in the right direction. Others chose to sign pledges that they would “Make a Difference, One Bag at a Time”.

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Minister of Health and the Environment, Molwyn Joseph said he’s appreciative of the overwhelming, positive and enthusiastic response from the public.

The minister noted, “We are reducing the volumes of plastic bags that end up in our watercourses and wetlands. We are giving our mangroves a fighting chance to be a source of healthy marine life, that can only benefit us as a people.”

He also said that this move marks the beginning of additional initiatives to rid the country of other materials that are proving to be hazardous to the environment, particularly Styrofoam containers.

Joseph said the government has adopted a phased approach to the overall cleanup plan to avoid any unnecessary inconvenience to the business sector and the general public.

Joseph said that the whole issue of the effect of plastics on the environment has been discussed at major forums including the United Nations and he has even received calls from officials in Trinidad & Tobago and Barbados, seeking advice as to how to go about implementing such an initiative which has so far been successful in the twin island.

Prior to the implementation of the ban, laws had to be passed and Cabinet also decided to waive taxes and duties, inclusive of Antigua & Barbuda Sales Tax (ABST) and the Revenue Recovery Charge (RRC) on the importation of reusable shopping bags as a way to encourage supermarkets to support the initiative and make the bags affordable for all.

Joseph said he also sees big savings in the initiative having estimated using some 40,000 plastic bags per week.

“Let me first express my appreciation to the major supermarkets; they have been very cooperative and they have shared a lot of important ideas in order to make this process successful,” the minister told Business Focus.

He continued, “It was a good day and I want to thank them for cooperating and understanding the value of what the government has established

as an important policy in the interest of the environment,” he added, coming out of a meeting with the supermarkets operators.

Although the smaller shops have been given a grace period of about three months to fully come on board, some of them have already stepped up and have been sharing reusable bags while reminding shoppers to bring their reusable bags each time that they shop.

“We want to give them additional time to make the transition and that was an agreement across the board,” Minister Joseph stated.

The Minister highlighted that although the ink is still wet on the Paris Agreement which was signed on Earth Day, the government will waste no time in taking bold moves to reduce the country’s reliance on fossil fuels. •

ENVIRONMENTAL FOCUS

S U RV E Y S C O M M E N C E F O R AC C E S S TO

C L I M AT E C H A N G E A D A P TAT I O N FUND The Department of Environment in Antigua & Barbuda is piloting, through the Sustainable Island Resource Framework Fund (SIRF Fund), a new financing opportunity for households and small businesses to adapt to the impacts of climate change through lowinterest unsecured loans.

The loans will range from 13,000 to 200,000, the department told Business Focus.

The pilot area is McKinnon’s Pond watershed, which includes the communities of Gambles, Yorks, Upper Fort Road, and McKinnons.

“Adaptation activities that are eligible for funding through this programme will include for example: solar energy with battery backup batteries; energy efficient appliances; rainwater harvesting (gutters and water storage tank); mosquito screening; landscaping to promote drainage; and hurricane-proofing of roof, windows and doors,” the Director Dian Black Layne said.

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The department engaged residents and small businesses in those communities in its first consultation for the project on July 5.

3. A daptation mainstreaming and capacity building in NGOs and community groups to sustain project interventions.

The community consultation was an opportunity to get feedback from residents and assess demand for lowinterest unsecured loans for adaptation in households and small businesses.

Climate change has been on the forefront of many discussions and its impacts have deleterious effects on the communities, particularly individuals who may be classified as vulnerable. This pilot project will focus on assisting the vulnerable persons within this community to adapt to climate change through innovative means.

The low interest loan application forms and questionnaires were made available for participants to fill out during the meeting.

Ahead of the consultation, the Department of Environment commenced surveys communities.

The official explained that this was to assist with data collection for the proposed "Integrated approach to physical adaptation and community resilience in Antigua & Barbuda's northwest McKinnon's watershed" project.

This project focuses on increasing the resilience of the communities to climate change through three components: 1. U pgrade urban drainage and waterways to meet projected climate change impacts.

2. R evolving Loans for homes in McKinnons watershed to meet new adaptation guidelines established in the building code and physical plan.

Funding from this project will be sourced through the Adaptation Fund, and the surveys, along with additional consultations which will follow, will add credence to the project and assist with its eventual funding and implementation.

This project is being developed with the collaboration of the Directorate of Gender Affairs, National Office of Disaster Services, Development Control Authority, APUA, and other key partners. The Department of Environment therefore seeks the collaboration of the members of the McKinnons, Yorks and Gambles communities as the nation seeks to ride the climate wave. •

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TOURISM FOCUS

GOV’T EXTENDS TOURISM AND BUSINESS INCENTIVES ACT The Tourism and Business (Special Incentives) Act has been extended to entice investors to spend their money in Antiguan & Barbuda.

The Act, which was first passed in 2013, and took effect from April 2014 under the United Progressive Party (UPP) administration, would have expired this year, but has now been given life for another two years.

Tourism Minister Asot Michael moved the resolution in recent weeks for the law to remain in effect until April 18, 2018.

“I move the resolution for the extension of the Tourism and Business Incentives Act of 2013 to two more years commencing April 7th, 2016 to April 16th, 2018,” Michael said in Parliament.

In his introduction, Minister Michael noted: “Whereas the Cabinet by a decision dated June 1st, 2016 agreed to extend the duration of the Tourism and Business (Special Incentives) Act, 2013, No. 22 of 2013 for two more years, commencing on 17th April, 2016 to 16th April, 2018.”

The Act provides for a wide range of incentives in the areas of the Tourism Industry and other specified business activities.

The ruling Antigua Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) administration has a number of investment projects pending and,

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Asot Michael Tourism Minister

according to Minister Michael, the extension is to ensure that they, to include the US $250 million Paradise Found project, YIDA, Sunwing and other developers, are able to benefit from concessions and incentives.

“It is vitally important that these projects that are so important to the economic development of this country, are able to benefit from these incentives, as it is, as these form a critical component of the relevant business plan for those pending projects,” he said.

Under the Act, investors can get exemptions on Customs and Duties Taxes and Income Tax, reductions on Withholding Tax, Property Tax, Stamp Duty on Land Transfers and Non-Citizen land licence.

The exemptions and reductions are determined based on the value of the investment, for example, investments from $1,00, 001 up to $10,000,000 get an exemption/reduction of Withholding Tax for up to six years, while an investment of $10,000,001 up to $25,000,000would get up to 12 years exemption/reduction.

Michael said that locals would also be able to benefit from incentives under the Act. The value, years and percentage of reduction/exemption continue to expand as the sum to be invested increases. •

HEALTH & WELLNESS

If individuals feel prepared for what they are doing, enjoy it and they feel they have some control, they are less likely to feel stressed than others who feel they have no control over their circumstances, who are doing something they dislike intensely or who feel as if they have no voice or limited choices.

IDENTIFYING AND COPING WITH WORKPLACE STRESS By: Koren Norton

So, Paula has been working for 20 years for the Blue Jays Company and considers herself to be a senior employee because of her age, 58, and her experience.

The company recently hired Bruce, a 27-year-old college graduate who the employer hopes will bring some innovative techniques to move with the changing times.

The problem is, Paula has to train Bruce in certain areas of the job and rumour has it, he is making almost twice her salary. At the most recent administrative meeting, she was in a daze when they talked about the new direction of the company and introduces Bruce as though he were a saviour when she has been working her tail off and things were fine.

She feels neglected and useless and dreads going to work, so she starts calling in sick and is suddenly always busy when Bruce asks if she has time to discuss certain things. The HR department is considering disciplining her for her overuse of sick time and her insolence.

If anyone takes the time to talk with Paula, he or she will realise that she is feeling the effects of workplace stress. She is feeling BusinessFocus

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undervalued and as if she has no control over the way things are going. Supportive, rather than punitive measures would be more useful in this situation.

Stress is our body’s response to tension, strain or pressure. In some cases, it can be positive, like preparing to get married or getting a promotion, but in the majority of cases, it is negative. It causes us to feel overwhelmed, anxious, fearful, angry, irritable and it also, when prolonged, affects us physically.

"Workplace stress" then is the harmful physical and emotional responses that can happen when there is a conflict between job demands on the employee and the amount of control an employee has over meeting these demands.

When it comes to workplace stress, we have to realise it is a very personal thing. Some of us are scared for our police friends who are patrolling the streets at night or apprehending criminals, but do you know that for some police officers, having to write a report could be more stressful than doing patrol duties?

The individuality of stress is further demonstrated by the fact that two persons could be in the same workplace and doing the same job and be affected differently based on their personality, their perception of their environment and their perception of their coping ability.

COMMON TYPES OF WORKPLACE STRESS Stress can differ depending on one’s position in the organisation. At the top management level, stress can be caused by cash flow problems when there is the responsibility of meeting payroll and avoiding creditors. Not being able to meet expected goals is also a big cause of stress and in our Caribbean context, the influence of political pressure, especially for government and statutory bodies, can make the work difficult.

For supervisors or middle management, they often find themselves having to deal with employees who are disagreeable or difficult to manage; being placed in a position like Bruce who has stellar academic qualifications but no supervisory experience; being promoted over resentful colleagues and; sometimes even being caught between trying to satisfy management and also line employees who might have different priorities.

For line employees, the challenges that create a stressful work environment could be feeling as if they are overworked and underpaid, constantly having deadlines, so as soon as one thing is finished, they have to move on to the next and they experience constant pressure with inadequate breaks, receiving no compliments or credit for their contribution, conflicting demands, unclear performance expectations, no upward mobility, no opportunity for growth, short staffed which means more work, and demanding and unreasonable customers.

Then, you have customers with expectations that might not be demanding or unreasonable, as in the case of customer service representatives at Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) who are constantly berated for a water problem when they have no control over the matter. Other sources of stress for line workers could be not getting along with co-workers, feeling as if the boss has favourites or is unfair, no upward communication – so the employee does not feel listened to, fear of being laid off and a poor balance between work and personal life.

EFFECTS OF WORKPLACE STRESS One cannot be faced with a stressful situation five days a week over an extended period and remain unscathed.

Apart from dreading Mondays, longing feverishly for weekends and daily dreading the thought of having to enter the jobsite, there are other effects of stress that can be serious and in some cases, debilitating.

There are the physical effects, which include neck pain, headaches, back pain, insomnia, migraines and ulcers.

The employee spends a lot of money on doctors who can’t find a physical cause of the symptoms. Long-term effects can include high blood pressure and a weakened immune system.

The emotional effects are often manifested in the form of anxiety, constant frustration, becoming easily angered, unhappiness, apathy and difficulty concentrating. The employee goes home and takes his or her frustration out on the spouse or children, has no energy to help with homework and sometimes has no interest in conjugal activities.

In some cases, there are behavioural effects when the persons start drinking too much, taking drugs to cope, working at a slower than normal pace or even sabotaging the work.

The organisation is further affected when the person starts calling in sick, becoming less productive, there is an increase in mistakes or accidents, there is a lack of motivation, poor attitude toward customers, reduced efficiency, aggression towards co-workers or superiors and frequent conflicts.

TIPS FOR HANDLING WORKPLACE STRESS Some stress can be eliminated and some have to be managed. The employee must take some responsibility for his or her own mental and emotional health, but the employer also has the obligation to ensure the work environment is a healthy one where all employees can thrive.

Some tips to share with employees to help them deal with workplace stress, include: • Identify stressors – who are the persons and what are the tasks or situations that affect you negatively constantly and how do you react?

• D

evelop healthier responses – sometimes you don’t need to respond to things right away; wait until you are calmer. Learn all you can about your tasks and how to do them efficiently.

Stop taking everything personally.

Learn how to manage your emotions – some of us are very sensitive and we either feel hurt or angry for everything.

That is a sure way to be stressed.

• Talk with your supervisor or manager. Clarify your role in the organisation, what your tasks should be – every employee should have a job description. Ask what your employer’s expectations are of you. Ask for help if necessary.

• D evelop healthy boundaries. If you are not on call, then no need to do workrelated things on your down time.

Sometimes you have to say no. Some of us become workaholics and take

pride in always rushing from one thing to the other. Being constantly busy does not mean being productive.

• H ave balance in your life. Do other things besides work; take time out for play, family, social activities, exercise and fitness, and church. When your life is balanced, then you have less chance of becoming stressed.

• D evelop better time management skills. Stop procrastinating. Sometimes we create our own stressful situations by allowing ourselves to be distracted with Facebook, Whatsapp, etc while on the job and not enough time is left to do our work.

• M anage your tasks by making to-do lists, prioritise, delegate when able to.

• S top being so territorial about the company and accept that other people will be promoted or might be better than you at certain tasks and just do the best you can with what you have to do.

• H ave a support system – have people you can talk with and vent to, laugh with and who can help you to be more objective.

Workplace stress is a serious matter and should not be treated lightly as the consequences are felt by the employee, the organisation and in many cases, the customers. •

Koren Norton of KN Consulting Services, is a consultant, social worker and author who provides counselling services to individuals including Human Resource and EAP consulting.

She facilitates workshops, seminars and other training in addition to engaging in public speaking on social issues.

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MAJOR MOVES editorial and research division and where the magazine earned the distinction of “number one selling music magazine in the US” under her leadership. •

A & B Appoints new US Tourism Director.

Kim Jack Riley has been named Antigua & Barbuda’s Director of Tourism, USA, based in New York City. She began her tenure on July 6, 2016.

Riley is an experienced and well established Travel Marketing and Hospitality specialist with expertise in content production, integrated marketing and digital traffic growth.

“I am honoured to take on this new position for Antigua & Barbuda, as it is an incredibly exciting time for the country with surging tourism arrivals, and multiple new properties on the horizon. I look forward to the opportunity of helping the twin-island nation achieve even greater visibility and growth in the US,” Riley said.

She began her career in the travel industry in 1997 when she operated a successful homebased travel agency specialising in personalised tours of the Caribbean and Europe.

In 2007, she led a phenomenally successful startup joint venture for mega-marketers Proctor & Gamble and NBC Universal. From there, Riley joined Flight Centre USA (FCUSA) as a Marketing Team Leader where she used her knowledge of the North American demographic to install marketing and social media strategies to grow awareness across air, land and sea products (FlightCenter.com, HotCaribbeanDeals.com and DiscountCruises.com). She has also held roles with field sales (MSC Cruises) and destination marketing for various hotels and tourism boards.

Riley’s career includes working for established New York City publishing houses such as Scholastic, Inc., Time Out, and The Source Magazine, where she restructured the

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Colin Skerritt is Antigua & Barbuda’s new Director of Tourism, Canada.

The Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority announced that Colin Skerritt, of Antiguan heritage, has been named Director of Tourism, Canada, based in Toronto, Ontario. He began his tenure as of July 5, 2016.

Antigua & Barbuda Minister of Tourism, Economic Development, Investment and Energy, Asot Michael said he was delighted to make the appointment.

Skerritt is an experienced and well-established travel tourism professional in the Canadian travel and airline industry, having implemented travel marketing programmes across Canada, Antigua and Jamaica for more than 10 years. He joined Air Canada in 2010 as a Global Accounts Manager with responsibilities for travel revenue growth in North America, Latin America, the Caribbean and UK. While at Air Canada, Skerritt managed the airline’s largest corporate and leisure travel management partners and also led Air Canada Vacations relationship. Prior to Air Canada, he worked for Virgin Atlantic Airways as a Corporate Sales Manager developing strategic travel partnerships in Antigua, Jamaica and St Lucia with a focus on the expansion of Caribbean business travel to the United Kingdom.

He recently gained significant press coverage as the host of the Air Canada Vacations national programme rollout which featured a series of town hall press events for over 3,500 travel agents across Canada.

Skerritt holds a Graphic Communication Management Degree, from Ryerson University in Toronto, Canada.

“Antigua has always been a very special place for me as it is the island where my parents were raised. Antigua offers Canadians an extraordinary Caribbean tourism experience. It is truly an exciting time to be in this role,” Skerritt said. •

First female Labour Commissioner in Antigua & Barbuda After acting in the post for nearly two years, Eltonia Anthony-Rojas has been confirmed as Labour Commissioner of Antigua & Barbuda, making her the first female to hold the post.

The 34 year old bilingual (Spanish and English) commissioner has been working in the department for over a decade.

She holds a Diploma in Human Resource Management and a Bachelor’s Degree in Administration.

She’s also the country’s youngest ever labour commissioner. Speaking of her appointment, she said her aim is to continue training staff in many areas of the labour code which have not been fully implemented for years because of changing times and greater demands on the department.

“Our attitude isn’t the same as times gone by. We are a law enforcement arm of the government and I will be looking at making sure our labour laws are enforced,” she assured, as she warned offenders of the law that they will be prosecuted. •

MAJOR MOVES

Housing and Public Works Ministry gets new Parliamentary Secretary Senator Michael Freeland has been appointed Parliamentary Secretary in the Minister of Works and Housing effective July 1.

Republic and in welcoming him, President Zeman expressed keen interest in bolstering cooperation between the two countries.

growing the commercial portfolio for Antigua, Anguilla, St Kitts, British Virgin Islands, Montserrat and Dominica.

During his visit, Ambassador Thomas also met with Martin Tlapa, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, where they discussed possible areas of cooperation, including the signing of a Tax Information Exchange Agreement (TIEA) and a Double Taxation Agreement, which would be finalised through the respective Ministries of Finance.

"I am looking forward to leading the very talented and dynamic teams in Antigua & Barbuda as well as in Montserrat on our mission to provide our valued customers with amazing experiences across all our platforms," Sutherland said. •

Additionally, the Czech officials expressed their delight at the possibility of a direct airline route between Antigua & Barbuda and the Czech Republic through a chartered airline. •

Senator Freeland who welcomes the opportunity to serve under his new assignment, adds that he is looking forward to working with the team of professionals at the Ministry.

Minister of Housing and Public Works, Eustace Lake and the Departmental Heads within the Ministry welcomed Freeland following the appointment made by the Prime Minister Gaston Browne.

Under the direction of Minister Lake, Senator Freeland will handle routine matters, ensuring that the Ministry fulfils its mandate as part of the Government's Developmental Strategy.

Minister Lake said he is pleased with the assignment of Senator Freeland as Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Works and Housing and assures him of maximum support: "The highly motivated individual brings a wealth of talent and experience to the table that will complement the existing strengths of the Ministry of Works and Housing." •

Gordon “Banks” Derrick heads the CFU Digicel appoints new CEO in Antigua Digicel Antigua & Barbuda is continuing to expand its female leadership team with the appointment of its new Chief Executive Office, Janice Sutherland - the first female CEO in the history of the twin island’s telecoms sector.

The main and immediate focus of the new boss will be on “leading the team of over 70 employees in delivering the best value and best customer service on the biggest and fastest LTE network in the country.”

Ambassador Arthur Thomas Presents Credentials to the Czech Republic Attorney-at-law Arthur G.B. Thomas, the new non-residernt Ambassador to the Czech Republic, recently presented credentials to the President of that country, Milos Zeman.

Ambassador Thomas expressed his gratitude for being given the opportunity to serve the interest of Antigua & Barbuda to the Czech

As part of this role, Digicel announced she will also have oversight of the recently-launched Digicel Montserrat where she will focus on helping to grow the GSM and Digicel Play operations.

Sutherland brings to this new role over 15 years’ experience in finance and telecommunications. She joined the Digicel family in 2011 as Commercial Manager and in three years, she was appointed Regional Commercial Manager with responsibility for

Antigua & Barbuda’s Gordon Derrick says his re-election to the post of president of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) is a humbling occasion, but one that gives him the unique opportunity to unify the breakaway family.

Derrick, who is set to serve another four-year term, was returned as president courtesy of an 18-12 vote at a congress in Miami late July — repelling the challenge of David John Williams, the Trinidad & Tobago Football Association boss.

Derrick, who is the general secretary of the Antigua and Barbuda Football Association, is faced with the enormous challenge of trying to heal the wounds that resulted from the CONCACAF elections in May where, for the first time, the region broke with tradition and supported two candidates.

“In the next 90 days I have made the commitment to start working on the healing process and make sure we unify the Caribbean family to be one again. I do believe that with the new executive committee we will now sit shortly to begin the process,” he told said shortly after his victory in Miami. • BusinessFocus

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EVENTS 2016

REGIONAL ENTERTAINMENT, TRADE SHOWS AND CONFERENCES

23RD ANNUAL FCCA CRUISE CONFERENCE & TRADE SHOW SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO – SEPT 26 - 30, 2016 Through a ​specialised ​forum that blends meetings and workshops with social functions, attendees have a unique opportunity to develop relationships with, promote products to, and learn from approximately 100 executives from FCCA’s 19 Member Lines who decide where ships call, what is sold and used onboard, and how to invest in destinations and infrastructure. While, exhibiting at the FCCA Trade Show expands the target and captures the attention of the influential audience of key stakeholders and decision makers from FCCA Member Lines.

THE CARIBBEAN NURSES ORGANISATION 30TH BIENNIAL CONFERENCE ANTIGUA – OCT 16 - 22, 2016 Antigua and Barbuda has been identified as the host for the 2016 30th BIENNIAL Conference of the Caribbean Nurses Organisation. The event will give practitioners the opportunity to continue with their professional education while they interact with Caribbean and North American colleagues.

The conference will examine among other things, the delivery of quality patient care and therefore the theme: “NURSING AND MIDWIVES: PIONEERS IN HEALTH CARE” aptly addresses this challenge.

At the end of this Conference, participants will identify the dynamics of the profession from pioneer status to scientific, technological, savy profession.

CARIBBEAN HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY EXCHANGE FORUM (CHIEF) EL CONQUISTADOR RESORT, A WALDORF ASTORIA RESORT FAJARDO, PUERTO RICO – OCT 2 - 4, 2016 The Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association's (CHTA) inaugural Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF) has drawn attention of innovative hoteliers from across the region as well as top speakers from a variety of industry segments.

CARIBBEAN RENEWABLE ENERGY FORUM MIAMI, FLORIDA – OCT 17 - 19, 2016 CREF 2016, the largest annual gathering of the Caribbean energy market, will take place at the InterContinental Miami from Oct. 17-19.

CREF 2015 gathered close to 500 delegates from 41 countries. 21 Caribbean countries were represented either by their government or by their utility, or in many instances, by both.

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EVENTS 2016

REGIONAL ENTERTAINMENT, TRADE SHOWS AND CONFERENCES

ANTIGUA & BARBUDA’S 35TH INDEPENDENCE ANTIGUA – OCT 23 - NOV 1, 2016 Independence Day of Antigua and Barbuda is celebrated on November 1. It has been commemorated on this day since the twin island separated from the United Kingdom in 1981.

THE 42ND CARIBBEAN ASSOCIATION OF BANKS CONFERENCE AND AGM ST. KITTS & NEVIS – NOV 12 - 15, 2016 The 42nd CAB Conference and Annual General Meeting to be held in the beautiful country St. KittsNevis. The theme of this year: “The Financial Services Industry at Crossroads: Where to From Here?”

69TH GULF AND CARIBBEAN FISHING INSTITUTE CONFERENCE GRAND CAYMAN – NOV 7 - 11, 2016 The 69th GCFI conference will focus on applying fishers’ knowledge and marine science to solve problems by bringing multiple users of ocean resources together to make informed and coordinated decisions about how to sustainably use these resources and fit this knowledge into Marine Protected Area management. The emphasis will be on the practical, interdisciplinary, and ecosystem-based approaches, to managing recreational fisheries and marine protected areas (MPAs). Addressing larval connectivity, fisheries management, conservation, whilst fostering improved marine resource management throughout the Wider Caribbean Region.

CARIBBEAN HOTEL INVESTMENT CONFERENCE & OPERATIONS SUMMIT SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO – NOV 10 - 11, 2016 The Caribbean Hotel Investment Conference & Operations Summit (CHICOS) is the region’s must attend hospitality and tourism investment conference. The event provides attendees with the opportunity to significantly expand their network while learning the most important trends that can impact their investment decisions. In its 6th year, this event brings together more than 300 regional and international investors and operators as well as the region’s leading decision makers.

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NEW COMPANY REGISTRATIONS NAMENAME COMPANY HORIZON MANAGEMENT LTD SEA CREATURES HOLDINGS COMPANY LIMITED C.G. CONSTRUCTION CONSULTANCY LTD DOMINICA-ANTIGUA RELIEF FUND INC (NON-PROFIT)

RASOI LIMITED IDD3 INVESTMENT & MANAGEMENT CO. LTD WEST INDIAN INTERNATIONAL TOURS LIMITED WITTY’S RESTAURANT & BAR LTD THE ASHLEY EDWARDS LTD PROVIDENCE BUSINESS CONSULTANCY INC. ISLAND RENOVATION LIMITED BLUE SEA TRADING LIMITED GOLDEN ISLANDS FILM-WORKS LTD RESTAURANT MARCUS LIMITED AMARA CONSULTANTS LTD KELLY CONSTRUCTION (ANTIGUA) LIMITED SAVEWAY CONSTRUCTION INC

ROYAL FORTUNES (ANTIGUA) LTD

INTERCOM BROKERAGE LIMITED

LEISURE LIFE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT LTD ATL CLOTHING LTD PAN ARGUS (ANTIGUA) LIMITED FREGATA LIMITED MAZZARINO LIMITED A3 LIMITED REBELS PRODUCTIONS LTD THE PALMS CONDOMINIUM PROPERTIES LIMI

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DIRECTOR DIRECTORS

NATURE NATURE

THERESA CAPOZZOLI CHARLES RAY AKINS JR SOLITA ROBERTS WALTER O’ REILLY PAUL SMITH CECILE HILL VERNON GORDON JULIEN DARWIN TELEMAQUE GREGORY GEORGES RAJ JAMMULA POORNIMA JAMMULA DION FRANCIS

OPERATION OF CASINO

KRISTINA SPRINGER

TOURISM AGENCY

GILBERT GOMES VIOLET FRANCIS GREGG BROWNE MICHAEL BROWNE HENRY HAZEL

RESTAURANT & BAR

KAI RANSVI RAYMOND JAMES SUAVEZ MARIA BRITTO-BETTINI RUDOLPH L. LANGLAIS VALMIKI KEMPADOO MARCUS FITZGERALD LAURA ABRAHAM SEAMUS PASCAL KELLY

RETAIL OF CLOTHING, SWIMWEAR AND RETAILED ACCESSORIES CONSTRUCTION AND CONSULTING TO RAISE AND COLLECT FUNDS FOR THE VICTIMS OF TRO PICAL STORM ERIKA

RESTAURANT INVESTMENT AND MANAGEMENT SERVICES

IMPORT AND EXPORT OF COMMERCIAL GOODS ANDSER VICES CONSULTATION/BUSINESS ADVISORS AND BUSINESSMA NAGEMENT SALE OF FURNITURE AND OTHER DÉCOR FOR HOME BUSINESS MANAGEMENT AND CONSULTANCY TO ACT AS A HOLDING COMPANY RESTAURANT AND CATERING SERVICE TO CONDUCT A FINANCIAL ADVISORY AND BUSINESSCO NSULTANCY CONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT

ABDAL NASSER ALMASRI MIGUEL ANGEL MARENO DE LA TORRE MARIA BRITTO-BETTINI DAREN LEVILLE DEREK SAUNDERS MARVIN G. GORE FOSTON GEORGE SAMANTHA CURATE

CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION SERVICE

V.ALICIA GARDEN DERRICK L GARDEN SHAWN LAWRENCE WINSTON G. HARRIS IROEK VAN WINDT XIN ZHONG LIANG SALVATOE PESNA

REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT AND PROPERTY MANAGEMENT UNISEX CLOTHING STORE IMPORT AND EXPORT OF SEAFOOD AND FISH PRODUCTS REAL ESTATE HOLDING AND HOSPITALITY ARCHITECHTURAL AND CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

ANTHONY ATHILL AMAYA ATHILL RUDOLPH L. LANGLAIS VALMIKI KEMPADOO HOWARD ADAMS

CONSULTANCY (BUINESS CONSULTANCY)

LOTTERIES AND CASINOS

BUSINESS OF CAPITALIST AND FINANCIERS, BROKERSTRA DERS AND SELLERS OF GOODS AND PROPERTIES

A FILM PRODUCTION COMPANY TO BUY AND SELL LANDS/PROPERTIES FOR REAL ESTATE

NEW COMPANY REGISTRATIONS COMPANY NAME TED CARIBBEAN FOOTBALL UNION INC GILEAD ENTERPRISES (ANTIGUA) LIMITED OUNCES ICE CREAM PARLOUR & GRILL LTD FANCY BRIDGE INVESTMENT (ANTIGUA) LIMIT ED AFRO SUSHI CATERING LIMITED SAFE STORAGE LTD SUNSET DELIGHT D2A LTD WADADLI PARADISE A2B LTD. EASY FLYER AVIATION ANTIGUA LTD SIL COMM ENGINEERING LTD MULTIPLICITY LTD GUANG DONG LIMITED INTERLUDE CRUISES (ANTIGUA) LTD

DIRECTORS

NATURE

CHERYL ADAMS GORDON DERRICK NEIL COCHRANE JASON GILEAD

DEVELOPMENT PLAN, ORGANIZE AND EXECUTE REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL TOURNAMENTS COURIER SERVICE

BERTSFIELD SMITHEN SISI LIU WEI MA RHONDA WILLIAMS PAUL ALLEN BENETT MC ALISTER ABBOTT EUGENE ABBOTT MC ALISTER ABBOTT EUGENE ABBOTT THOMAS WALSH MD JOHN SILCOT KELROY FITZ LIONEL STEVENS YUZHI LIANGO LEONARD MUSSINGTON

RESTAURANT AND ENTERTAINMENT SERVICE BUSINESS INVESTMENT AND ANCILLARY SERVICES

CIRCLE CONSTRUCTION & ENGINEERING LIMIT ED POSITIVE HOLDINGS COMPANY LTD

ELMORE CHARLES

PASSPRO GROUP

GISELLE BRU KEM WARNER

JULES & GILL LTD WMC INVESTMENT INC. UNIT 201 SOUTH POINT LIMITED AURA DEVEOPMENTS LTD

MARIANNA RANALLI WILBUR HARRIGAN JEFFREY HADEED SYLVIA HELD

HELIKITING ANTIGUA LIMITED

PETER GROSS

NIGEL PIGOTT

CATERING STORAGE AND WAREHOUSING SERVICES TO HOLD TITLE TO PROPERTY AT TRANQUILITY BAY TO HOLD TITLE TO PROPERTY AT TRANQUILITY BAY AIRCRAFT RENTAL TELECOMS ENGINEERING AND BROADCAST TRADING AND SELLING OF MOTOR VEHICLES SALES AND SERVICE TO PROVIDE BOAT CHARTERS FOR ISLAND TOURS, FISHING TRIPS AND BOAT RIDES GENERAL CONSTRUCTION THE SALE OF COSMETICS AND OTHER RELATED PRODUCTS PROVIDING SERVICES UNDER CITIZEN BY INVESTMENT TO HOLD REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT PROPERTY HOLDING PROPERTY HOLDING PROPERTY MANAGEMENT PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT TOUR OPERATIONS

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ADVERTISER’S INDEXADVERTISER'S INDEX

COMPANY COMPANY

ABITT - Antigua & Barbuda International Institute of Technology Antigua & Barbuda Social Security Board APUA APUA INET APUA INET Axel Finance B Healthy Wellness & Weight Management Center Inc Brysons GEO W Bennet Bryson & Co Ltd CIBC First Caribbean International Bank Community First Co-operative Credit Union Cool & Smooth Crab Hole Liquors Deluxium Solutions Eastern Caribbean Amalgamated Bank (ECAB) Eyeland Optical FDICIC - First Domestic Industry & Commerce Insurance Co Ltd Francis Trading GiGi Furniture Kennedy's Enterprises Leeward Islands Hurricane Protection Living Spaces Complex Majestic Realty OBM International Regional Publications Sagicor Life Scotiabank Square One Ltd St John's Co-operative Credit Union State Insurance Corporation The Box Office Tropical Landscaping Woods Pharmacy

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100

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HERE COMES THE SUN.

SAY HELLO TO A NEW BEGINNING.

visit sungeneral.net or call 481-2715 Woods Centre, Friars Hill Road, St.John’s www.sungeneral.net

A SunGroup Member Company

ANGUILLA • ANTIGUA & BARBUDA • BARBADOS • DOMINICA GRENADA • ST. LUCIA • ST. VINCENT & THE GRENADINES